Hincmar of Rheims Life and Work

Archbishop Hincmar of Rheims (d. 882) is a crucial figure for early medieval European history. As an archbishop for nearly forty years, he shaped the times in which he lived, advising and admonishing kings, playing a leading role in the Frankish church, and intervening in a range of political and doctrinal disputes. Hincmar also shaped how ninth-century events would later be seen by historians up to the present day by writing historical accounts such as the Annals of St-Bertin, and by carefully preserving dossiers of material for posterity. He is a key source for political, social and religious history in the period, providing information on everything from papal politics to the abduction of women and the role of parish priests.

This book puts the archbishop himself centre-stage, bringing together the latest international research across the spectrum of his varied activities, as history-writer, estate administrator, hagiographer, canonist, pastorally-engaged bishop and politically-minded royal advisor. For the first time since Jean Devisse’s magisterial studies of the 1970s, it offers a three-dimensional examination of a controversial figure whose actions and writings in different fields are often studied in isolation, at the cost of a holistic appreciation. Combining research from recognised experts (such as Janet Nelson, Philippe Depreux and Mayke de Jong) as well as early career historians, it will be an essential companion for all those interested in the Carolingian world, and early medieval Europe more broadly.

Archbishop Hincmar of Rheims (d. 882) is a crucial figure for all those interested in early medieval European history in general, and Carolingian history in particular. For forty years he was an advisor to kings and religious controversialist; his works are a key source for the political, religious and social history of the later ninth century, covering topics from papal politics to the abduction of women and the role of parish priests.

For the first time since Jean Devisse’s biography of Hincmar in the 1970s, this book offers a three-dimensional examination of a figure whose actions and writings in different fields are often studied in isolation. It brings together the latest international research across the spectrum of his varied activities, as history-writer, estate administrator, hagiographer, canonist, pastorally engaged bishop, and politically minded royal advisor. The introduction also provides the first substantial English-language survey of Hincmar’s whole career.