Presents, for the first time, a study of the crusade model sermons of the thirteenth century as a corpus in its entirety, in order to explore the creation of the ideal crusader in thirteenth-century society.

Crusade preachers had a number of responsibilities during the Middle Ages. Preachers were responsible for communicating crusading messages to Christian subjects. They recruited crusaders and sought supporters for the movement. They collected crusading funds and participated in campaigns. During the journeys, the preachers played a central role in creating the identity of the crusading armies, in sustaining the morale of the crusaders, and in explaining the goals of an expedition to the participants.

This book explores the creation of the ideal crusader in thirteenth-century society. It presents, for the first time, a study of the crusade model sermons of the thirteenth century as a corpus in its entirety. How were the crusades promoted? How was crusading ideology disseminated throughout Christendom by experienced crusade preachers? What were the characteristics of the ideal crusader?

The book considers various dimensions of crusade ideology and the values associated with crusading in thirteenth-century society – the qualities that were appreciated and valued by contemporaries, and the traits that were considered disadvantageous in a crusading context. The expectations, the aspirations, and the concerns of crusade preachers with regard to the conduct and the quality of the crusaders are also explored.

Table des matières :

Abbreviations

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1. Introduction

Veri Crucesignati

Crusade Studies
The Authors of the Crusade Sermons
Spreading the Message
Primary Sources

Chapter 2. The Crusader and the Bible

The Shield of Joshua
The Dream of Judas Maccabaeus
From Patriarchs to Prostitutes
Biblical Prophecy

Chapter 3. The Crusader and God

In the Service of God
The Imitatio Christi
Bearing the Stigmata
The Treasury of Christ’s Passion
Crusading Martyrdom

Chapter 4. The Crusader and the World

Mundane Obstacles
Earthly Wealth
Pilgrimage Through the Torrent of the World
Harmonious Crusading

Conclusions. The Features of the True Crusader

Appendices

Appendix I. Crusade Preaching Manual
Appendix II. Crusade Model Sermons of Philippe le Chancelier
Appendix III. Crusade Model Sermons of Jacques de Vitry
Appendix IV. Crusade Model Sermon of Roger of Salisbury
Appendix V. Crusade Model Sermons of Eudes de Châteauroux

Bibliography

Index of Manuscripts

General Index

Informations pratiques :

Miikka Tamminen, Crusade Preaching and the Ideal Crusader, Turnhout, Brepols, 2019 (Sermo, 14). X+332 p., 156 x 234 mm. ISBN: 978-2-503-57725-8. Prix : 90 euros.

Source : Brepols