Hincmar of Rheims

"Archbishop Hincmar of Rheims (d.882) is a crucial figure for early medieval European history. As an archbishop for nearly forty years, Hincmar 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. His role in the controversial attempts by King Lothar II to divorce his queen Theutberga has particularly interested researchers. 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 Devisses magister