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Review
"There is much of value about governmental administration, for example, that is not available elsewhere or is scattered through various books and articles. This volume will be useful to students." The International History Review
"Matthew's treatment of political life is gripping and dramatic...will be valued by scholars and graduate students who want to know more about southern Italy." History
"Matthew's treatment of political life is gripping and dramatic...will be valued by scholars and graduate students who want to know more about southern Italy." History
Product Description
This book is an introductory account of the kingdom of Sicily established in 1130 by Roger II, a 'Norman' king, and ruled by Roger, his own son and grandsons until 1194 when the kingdom was conquered by his son-in-law, Henry VI of Hohenstaufen. The period covered does, however, extend from Charles of Anjou, a period roughly as long and as coherent as the 'Norman' monarchy of England between 1066 and 1204. Roger II's difficulties in creating an enduring kingdom needed continuous military effort. Even when these efforts were no longer required, the monarchy had still to learn how to function in lands where traditions of local government were strong. Yet when the monarchy itself faltered, the kingdom did not fall apart. Frederick II, the grandson of Roger II, showed that it could be revived and that his sons could maintain it. The ways in which the monarchy made itself indispensable cannot be traced in detail, but pointers to its success can be seen. The kingdom did not spring full-armed at birth - it took time and experience to hammer it into shape. When at last it looked capable of assuming the leadership of all Italy, its enemies combined to prevent it from doing so with the most profound consequences for Italy, the papacy and the west.
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The Normal kingdom of Italy created in 1130 for Roger II comprised the lands he had inherited in Calabria and Sicily from his father, Count Roger I, the mainland territories ruled by his cousin, Duke William of Apulia, until his death in 1127, and the lands of those great men of southern Italy who were or became Roger's vassals. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
The Normal kingdom of Italy created in 1130 for Roger II comprised the lands he had inherited in Calabria and Sicily from his father, Count Roger I, the mainland territories ruled by his cousin, Duke William of Apulia, until his death in 1127, and the lands of those great men of southern Italy who were or became Roger's vassals. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Donald Matthew's work is well researched and an invaluable source for this period. Despite the title, Frederick II looms large here along with an interesting consideration of the "betrayal" of King Manfred. I like the way the book ends in 1266 when the Kingdom succumbed to Angevin rule and was on borrowed time from that point onwards. The main problem with this volume is that it is simply desperately dull and difficult for IB students to get to grips with. If this was the only book on the period it would be impossible to get a wider audience enthused in a fascinating multicultural state that has so much to offer general historical readers in addition to specialists. More matter, less art so to speak.
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3 reviews
31 of 31 people found the following review helpful
A synthetic resource
17 April 2000
Format:Hardcover
Matthew's history is precise and helpful in arranging the massive amounts of information lying in archives throughout the whole of southern Italy and Sicily. His command of the languages necessary to conducting scholarship in this field is nothing short of extraordinary, and preceisely what Medieval Italian studies needs. His ability to synchronize the material into some navigable whole is easily seen almost every chapter. The only area which seemed a little lackluster was the art and religion chapter. I would have liked to see a little more information regarding the place of Norman art and architecture related to the Byzantine Empire, Venice and the West. However, I haven't run across so detailed a history yet, and will continue to use Matthew's book as a staple reference tool in the future.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Excellent. Did The Renaissance Start Here?
8 April 2006
Format:Paperback
On the whole I agree with the first reviewer on the book in its totality. I found that chapters 1-3,6, and 10-12 were the most informative. The last chapter on the Norman legacy could be a book unto itself. This is a fascinating book on several levels. The author displays great dexterity in showing how this multi-ethnic and multi-religious Kingdom grew, and prospered for decades. The abilities of the Normans and the talents of the very different populations appear to have been largely complimentary. The reader occasionally will ask themselves, "did the Renaissance start here?"
Sadly, for the kingdom and perhaps Europe in general? What may have been a tolerant model state could not survive their many external enemies and their own weak leaders after the death of Manfred. I would also recommend Barbara M. Kreutz' "Before The Normans," since it deals with the culture & conditions before the arrival of the Normans. The compare & contrast aspects between the two are good reading for any teacher, student, or history buff.
Sadly, for the kingdom and perhaps Europe in general? What may have been a tolerant model state could not survive their many external enemies and their own weak leaders after the death of Manfred. I would also recommend Barbara M. Kreutz' "Before The Normans," since it deals with the culture & conditions before the arrival of the Normans. The compare & contrast aspects between the two are good reading for any teacher, student, or history buff.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Excellent book
28 Mar 2009
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is an excellent book although the proofing of it may have left something to be desired - many spelling errors and some dropped words in the text. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in the historyof Sicily, Southern Italy or the Europe in the late Middle Ages.
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