Gregory of Tours and the women in his works : studies in sixth-century Gaul
As one of the most prolific authors of the sixth-century, Gregory of Tours has long been a figure of interest in studies on Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages. Gregory's works are difficult sources to use, in large part because of his skill as an author, as well as his ability to manipulate his material in accordance with his greater literary aims. Much of what Gregory wrote, and much of what he chose not to write, resulted from his own relationship with the political and ecclesiastical leadership of Merovingian Gaul. Therefore, it has proved necessary to identify Gregory's historical context, as well as his opinions on contemporary issues, before utilising his works for scholarly purposes. While much work has been done in this regard, it has tended to focus more on various male figures - kings, bishops, magnates, and the like - rather than on the women in his works, even though several women feature prominently in both his writings and his life. This study opens with an examination of the influence that Gregory's own mother had upon him, and the way she left her mark on his works. It then analyses Gregory's opinions on various political leaders, such as the famous queens Brunhild and Fredegund, before
Dailey, Erin Thomas
Gregory of Tours and the women in his works : studies in sixth-century Gaul. As one of the most prolific authors of the sixth-century, Gregory of Tours has long been a figure of interest in studies on Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages. Gregory's works are difficult sources to use, in large part because of his skill as an author, as well as his ability to manipulate his material in accordance with his greater literary aims. Much of what Gregory wrote, and much of what he chose not to write, resulted from his own relationship with the political and ecclesiastical leadership of Merovingian Gaul. Therefore, it has proved necessary to identify Gregory's historical context, as well as his opinions on contemporary issues, before utilising his works for scholarly purposes. While much work has been done in this regard, it has tended to focus more on various male figures - kings, bishops, magnates, and the like - rather than on the women in his works, even though several women feature prominently in both his writings and his life. This study opens with an examination of the influence that Gregory's own mother had upon him, and the way she left her mark on his works. It then analyses Gregory's opinions on various political leaders, such as the famous queens Brunhild and Fredegund, before
gregory woman_work study sixth_century gaul prolific author sixth_century gregory long figure interest study late antiquity early middle_ages gregory work difficult source_use large_part skill author well ability manipulate material accordance great literary aim much gregory write much chose write result relationship political ecclesiastical leadership gaul therefore prove necessary identify gregory historical_context well opinion contemporary issue utilise work scholarly purpose much work regard tend_focus various male figure king bishop magnate like rather woman_work even_though several woman feature_prominently writings life study open examination influence gregory mother upon way leave mark work analysis gregory opinion various political_leader famous queen