The Renaissance of the Twelfth Century

Charles Homer Haskins' book titled THE RENIASSANCE OF THE TWELFTH CENTURY is a well written, well researched book that refutes the notion that somehow the years between c. 500-1500 AD were "the Dark Ages." Haskins book is "a must read" for those who have an interest in Medieval History.Haskins presented an interesting thesis about cultuural/intellectual exchanges prior to the 12th.century(1100s). The book challenged the notion that Medieval Europeans were ignorant and unlearned prior to the Crusades (1096-1291). Haskins argued that there were cultural/intellectual exchanges prior to the Crusades espeacially in Southern Italy. The Byzantines Greeks and Arabic Moslems had trade in this area even after the disintegration of Roman Empire. Haskins suggested that the market place of goods was also a "market place of ideas." Gradually such exchanges and ideas penetrated Northern Europe.Haskins dicussed early Medieval intellectual centers which were concentrated in the monestaries and cathederal schools. The monestaries were in effect beacons of light and learning. A point that other Haskins and other Medieval historians have made is the intellectual debt that Western Civilization owes to the nameless heroic monks and nuns.The chaper on the production and publication of books is simply an important part of this book. Haskins gave precise details of how the monks hand copied books including the Ancient Clasics and the Bible. He commented that writing/hand copying books was "a labor of love." The monks believed that every word, sentence, and page meant the forgiveness of sins. There is an anecdote whereby one monk wrote one more word than he committed his sins which led to his salvation. The work of book production was so important that those monks who did such work were relieved of physical labor. Often groups of scribes would collaborate to get a book finished, and when the book was finished, there was celebration and a feast. The value of books was very dear. Haskins provided and example whereby in 1043, the Bishop of Barcelona gave a house and land for two books. Books were indeed valuable. The notion that anti-Catholics use that the Catholic authorities did not want people to read the Bible is ludicrous. Haskins stated that Bibles were chained in the cathederals and monestaries to prevent theft. These Bibles were chained to insure their continued use rather than any attempt to restrict their use. Readers must know that just how hard book production was and the arduous efforts involved in such publication efforts.The teachers and students were also involved in reviving and enhancing the Latin Classics and the Latin language. One must know that the Latin language was the universal language of all teaching, learning, and the Catholic Church. The Latin classics and translations of Greek literature was at first read and learned for moral instuction. Gradually such learning was done for the joy of great literature. While some Catholic authorities were cautious of such learning from pagans, the decision was made to encourage such learning because Catholic authorities did not want ignorant priests and monks.The introduction of Aristotle's philosophy was an interesting part of this book. Church authorities were concerned of Aristotle's influence corrupting the Catholic Faith. While there were offical restrictions on teaching and learning of Aristotle in the Medieval schools, these were never rigidly enforced. By 1255, such restructions were abondoned. While the Latin Classics were never abandoned, they were reduced in importance by the introduction of Aristotle's logic and dialectic. Haskins cited a Medieval work about the War Between the Liberal Arts and Logic in which Logic won.The section of the revival of the study of law was also informative. The Medieval Canon Law jurists not only revived Roman Law and developed Canon Law, the Catholic Canon Law jurists developed a "scientific legal system." Roman Law was viewed with suspicion in Medieval England, and Henry II (1154-1189)tried to eliminate such studies. Haskins was very specific to explain that improved studies in Law began in Italy and preceeded Gratian's exhaustive work which was produced c. 1140.One must ask how so much learning that was written in Greek and Arabic became available in the Latin West. Haskins gave a detailed explanation of the translators who did the translations to make Greek and Arabic knowledge available in the Latin West. Such work must have been taken seriously. Historians have combed a monastary that existed c 1140. Historians discovered texts written in Arabic, Greek,and Hebrew. This undermines the notion that somehow the monks were ignorant and unlearned men.The chapter on translators was logically followed by the revival of studies of philosophy which became "the handmaid of theology." As one might expect that while there serious studies of Plato's DIALOGUES, Aristotle's philosophy dominated philosophical studies. Yet Haskins made clear, Aristotle could be just as mystical as Plato.The chapter on universities is thorough. One can glean this topic by reading Haskins book THE RISE OF THE UNIVERSITIES which this reviwer has previously reviewed. Haskins undermined the notion that everyone was forced to think the same which is simply not true. Rarely did the Catholic authorities interfere, and Medieval teachers and students thought of themselve intellectually free. An important part of Medieval teaching and learning was the debates which, according to sources, were lively and spirited. For example, Peter Abelard (1079-1142)wrote a university text titled SIC ET NON (YES AND NO)in which he showed students the apparent contradictions of the Bible, Church Fathers, Catholic Church councils, etc. Abelard did not resolve these apparent contractions, and he used this text to have his students logically resolve these problems. Abelard was never admonished for this book. Further examination of Medieval universities can be learned from the above mentioned book.Haskins book is a good comparison and contrast of contemporary learning and teaching. Compared to totalitarian regimes and their control over education, this book is refreshing antidote. One must also consider the childish and nonsensical political correct atmosphere of most U.S. unversities which discourages intelligent debate and exchange. Medieval universities encouraged intense learning and debate which was "uninhibited, robust, and wide open." One wonders which age was the "Dark Ages" when comparing the two concepts of teaching and learning. Contemporaries can read and enjoy this book if only as an escape from what many try to pass off as education.

Very useful book indeed.

A classic book!

This was first published in 1927, a decade before the author's death, but its affirmations are still valid. Indeed, the historiography espoused by Charles Haskins has shaped fundamental views of Europe's twelfth century.A competent scholar, Haskins was far ahead of the curve in recognising the importance of Norman Sicily, the focus of several of his papers.In recognising the importance of the twelfth century, it could be argued that Haskins was merely stating the obvious, but this book was written during a transitional stage in medieval studies, just as the field was being "modernised" through the use of new methods. The greater part of this transition arrived around thirty years after his death.This book still makes a good primer.

Charles Homer Haskins's opus magnum, or more simply said, his masterpiece ! (best book)I have read several of Charles Homer's books, each is excellent,I did especially like, "Norman institutions", " and "The rise of universities:, both connected to this book.Along with Fustel de Coulange's book "The antic city", and "Fall of the roman empire", "The peace to end all peaces", this book is a must read, for the serious book of history.Like Edward Gibbon, C.H.H style is vivid, easy and pleasant to read...

A classic book. It shows a Renaissance is far more than just a scientific revolution.it touches an entire culture including poetry., latin language etc. Great book despite its age. But the middle ages are far older.