The Conversion of Scandinavia
Vikings, Merchants, and Missionaries in the Remaking of Northern Europe
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Yale University Press
Published:7th Jan '14
Should be back in stock very soon
In this book a MacArthur Award-winning scholar argues for a radically new interpretation of the conversion of Scandinavia from paganism to Christianity in the early Middle Ages. Overturning the received narrative of Europe's military and religious conquest and colonization of the region, Anders Winroth contends that rather than acting as passive recipients, Scandinavians converted to Christianity because it was in individual chieftains' political, economic, and cultural interests to do so.
Through a painstaking analysis and historical reconstruction of both archeological and literary sources, and drawing on scholarly work that has been unavailable in English, Winroth opens up new avenues for studying European ascendency and the expansion of Christianity in the medieval period.
"'Challenging the stereotypical master narrative of zealous evangelicals and active missionaries converting an at best passive, at worst resistant, native heathen population, Winroth is able to substitute a fascinating description of the distinctive political dynamics that characterised all of Western Europe after the barbarian invasions' (Patrick Madigan, Heythrop Journal) 'He is well acquainted with the comprehensive and varied research and guides the reader to synthesizing conclusions and wider perspectives... Winroth has made a fine and stimulating synthesis of Viking Age Scandinavia and its place within European history.' (Thomas Lindkvist, University of Gothenburg, The Journal of English and German Philology) 'Anders Winroth's The Conversion of Scandinavia provides much material to ponder as well as a great deal of information. His meticulous gathering of materials opens new avenues for consideration, while his thoughtful survey of the material will provide guidance for anyone interested in the topic and period.' (Benjamin Hudson, The Journal of Medieval Religious Cultures)"
ISBN: 9780300205534
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 340g
256 pages