Feudalism

Feudalism is a term that often seeks a definition.  Good old Webster states:

 "the system of political organization prevailing in Europe from the 9th to about the 15th centuries having as its basis the relation of lord to vassal with all land held in fee and as chief characteristics homage, the service of tenants under arms and in court, wardship, and forfeiture"

[Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, p.421, 1981 edition.]

Wow...a neat little package...lord...vassal...and land... in some fixed social relation...is the concept.  For those who might like a little more understanding the following is recommended.

From Charlemagne's vast empire, to the French Revolution, is the real story.  This text by Jean-Pierre Poly, and Eric Bournazel (first written in French, translated by Caroline Higgitt) presents the complex story behind the word "Feudalism".

Power and control are the founding forces which bring social change to a chaotic period of human existence.  Who owns and controls the land is the decision that rules the environment of the day.  Beginning with "What is known" [Part I] to "New Interpretations" [Part II], the authors provide an in depth analysis to this period of our history.  French society leads the way, and as shown on the cover above, it was the Normans [from northern France] who brought these ideas to Albion.  The book is a broad overview of these changes that were to form a new social order.

Book was published by Holmes & Meier Publishers, Inc., New York, 1991.

A Much Bigger Story

For those who have roots to that Island first called Albion, the terms 1066 and Hastings will forever be connected to the Normans.  Having those roots, it did take me a little while to realize that the Normans had a much bigger story.

The following book by Christopher Gravett and David Nicolle opened my eyes to a broader picture of the Norman culture and history.  These Normans played a role not only in British history, but a wider European history as well.

Their states (dynasties) they established in France, Italy, Sicily and Syria came to be important in world history.  A history of the Normans and the military foundations that they forged, came to play a major role in many aspects of western European history.  This book helps provide a context to realizing the larger role that the Normans played in the pages of history.   From Viking days of the 9th and 10th century, to the last Norman stronghold in northern Syria (Antioch), their role is discussed.  Stone castles seemed to be a remaining legacy.

Lots of pictures, maps, and historic accounts make this book a good read for those who want a much bigger picture.