Royal Rage and the Construction of Anglo-Norman Authority, c. 1000-1250

This book explores how eleventh- and twelfth-century Anglo-Norman ecclesiastical authors attributed anger to kings in the exercise of their duties, and how such attributions related to larger expansions of royal authority. It argues that ecclesiastical writers used their works to legitimize certain displays of royal anger, often resulting in violence, while at the same time deploying a shared emotional language that also allowed them to condemn other types of displays. These texts are particularly concerned about displays of anger in regard to suppressing revolt, ensuring justice, protecting honor, and respecting the status of kingship. In all of these areas, the role of ecclesiastical and lay counsel forms an important limit on the growth and expansion of royal prerogatives.

• Eleventh century, twelfth century
• Ecclesiastical historians
• Kingship
• Power
• Anger
• Emotion
• Ruling
• Rhetorical strategies
• Authority, leadership
• Aristocracy
• Divine rule
• Violence

“McGrath offers a thought-provoking and thorough examination of the ways in which emotions are ascribed by eleventh and twelfth-century Anglo-Norman ecclesiastical authors to kings … . This book would be useful to any scholars researching royal authority in the High Middle Ages, particularly those with an interest in representations of anger and rage. Overall, this is an informative and welcome addition to the historiography of Anglo-Norman authority, with its innovative and systematic analysis of the topic.” (Gabrielle Storey, Royal Studies Journal, Vol. 7 (2), 2020)

• Department of History, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT, USA

  Kate McGrath

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