The Correspondence of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury 1162-1170
Thomas Becket author Anne Duggan editor
Format:Set / collection
Publisher:Oxford University Press
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This new edition of the 329 letters written or received by Archbishop Thomas Becket in the years 1162-1170 entirely supersedes the edition of the 1880s in the Rolls Series. Provided with extensive biographical, biblical, and legal notes, a full English translation, and a completely revised chronology, it will enable scholars for the first time to follow the great dispute with King Henry II, from its origins to the eve of Becket's murder, on the basis of letters and reports written at the time. The controversy raised fundamental questions about papal authority and the respective limits of royal and ecclesiastical jurisdiction–matters of concern for the whole Latin Church. These issues, and the European status of Henry II, as lord of the 'Angevin Empire', gave the dispute a European dimension, and Becket's correspondents included not only Pope Alexander III and the College of Cardinals, but the rulers of England, France, and Sicily, and archbishops, bishops, and ecclesiastics across Europe. This is a two volume pack.
...a particularly magnificent contribution ... She thus makes a further very important contribution to the understanding of the unfolding of the dispute between Beckett and Kind Henry II. * David Luscombe, Notices Breves *
Ann Duggan has performed a valuable scholarly service in compiling, editing, and translating the correspondence of Thomas Becket during his service as Archbishop of Canterbury and his conflict with Henry II. * Perspectives in Religious Studies *
It is no mean accomplishment to bring together the wealth of material from all the collections of Becket letters compiled for assorted reasons since his controversy with his king. These two volumes will serve libraries and research scholars well. * Perspectives in Religious Studies *
Having the Latin and English translations side-by-side in an easy to read format is a significant contribution ... The author is commended for her diligence in making the wealth of material in these letters accessible to readers of all levels of skill in understanding the medieval period. * Perspectives in Religious Studies *
What Duggan has achieved is the possibility for readers to hear Becket's part of the conversation more distinctly. The issue of how church and state interact is still alive today. Reading these letters about the crisis in the twelfth century is one way to gain insight into our own struggles today. * Perspectives in Religious Studies *
This edition is a very important contribution to the study of Thomas Becket and his world. It is a testimony to Professor Duggan's dedication and scholarship that she has brought to fruition such a daunting project, and that the result is so impressive. * Journal of Ecclesiastical History *
Oxford Medieval Texts has taken the lead in publishing definitive editions of texts earlier published in the Rolls Series and this superb one by Anne Duggan completely supersedes the earlier edition of Thomas Becket's correspondence in that series ... An excellent index rounds off this invaluable work. * English Historical Review *
ISBN: 9780198222651
Dimensions: 224mm x 147mm x 105mm
Weight: 2308g
1678 pages