Bert ROEST, *Reading the Book of History. Intellectual Contexts and Educational
Functions of Franciscan Historiography 1226 - ca. 1350*. Groningen: Stichting
Drukkerij C. Regenboog, 1996. Pp. 358. ISBN 90-367-0659-9. [Pricing and ordering
information unavailable presently, but such information will be forwarded when
received.]
A rich and enjoyable study, this book begins by outlining how earlier examinations of
Franciscan historiography have concentrated inordinately on Salimbene. Roest initiates
a thorough re-evaluation of Franciscan historiography, that does not begin with
negative assumptions regarding their form or content. Instead, this book encompasses
much more than 'histories', but notably evaluates the contexts of religious life and
learning in which Franciscan historical writing and historical reflection evolved, and
analyses the functions Franciscan historiography fulfilled in the order, in the
conviction that their functionality was a determining factor in the form and content
of Franciscan historical writing.
The book begins with the first products of Franciscan historical writing after the
death of Francis and ends ca. 1350, before the *Chronica XXIV Generalium* (ca. 1375)
and Bartholomew of Pisa's *De Conformitate Vitae Beati Francisci ad Vitam Domini
Jesu* (ca. 1385-1390). The first three chapters provide an overview of Franciscan
historiographical production, devoting space to hagiography and travel literature as
well as to 'histories', as all three were very closely linked. Chapter Four
reconstructs the religious and intellectual preconditions of Franciscan historical
writing, concentrating on the ways in which 'history' was an integral part of
Franciscan education. The following chapter concentrates on Franciscan exegesis, and
its close connection to historiography; here, Roest argues that the broad interest in
history displayed by the Franciscans was not simply an outgrowth of Joachimist
influences. Chapter Six explores the different ways in which Franciscan chronicles
actually were connected with the creation of a Franciscan self-identity, and how
Franciscan chronicles embedded this in a larger historical and ecclesiological
framework, discussing also how such writings could function as preaching aids, without
reducing themselves to 'mere pulpit history'. Finally, Chapter Seven presents an
analysis of the *Satirica Ystoria* of Paulinus of Venice, regarding its content,
structure and intended audiences.
A rich and provocative work, Roest's analyses are penetrating and engaging. The study
is complemented by a lengthy bibliography, and a brief summary and conclusion in
Dutch. (I should add that several members of the medieval-religion list are thanked in
Roest's preface.)
George Ferzoco tel ++ 44 (0)116 252 2654
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