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firerosearien's review
5.0
When I started this book, I was a little worried at the abstract, academic-ness of the introduction, but fortunately was proven quite wrong.
Although it's now 20 years old, Nirenberg's work, while meant for the academic reader, is very much accessible to the lay reader. Numerous anecdotes paint a portrait of a very vibrant society, though one often in conflict, and addresses the often unstudied relationship between the various minority communities in Catalonia.
Although it's now 20 years old, Nirenberg's work, while meant for the academic reader, is very much accessible to the lay reader. Numerous anecdotes paint a portrait of a very vibrant society, though one often in conflict, and addresses the often unstudied relationship between the various minority communities in Catalonia.
girlinacardigan's review
2.0
https://jenninsf.wordpress.com/2006/03/28/communities-of-violence-by-david-nirenberg/
_slade's review
4.0
Surprisingly enjoyable to read despite being an academic text focusing on such niche topics across a relatively small period of medieval history. Focusing primarily on the Crown of Aragon in the 1300’s and ending with the Black Death, Nirenberg presents a unique view on how physical and religious violence acted as power plays between the Church, Muslims, and Jews. Through primary sources and interpretations, he shows us subtle nuances that provide greater context to what we think we know about heretics, the Inquisitorial process, anti-Semitism, and sex under the Church’s rule.
innashtakser's review
5.0
The author assumes that violence against persecuted minorities in Medieval Europe was neither random nor irrational. He attempts to understand the language of popular violence, concentrating on 14th century Oregon and on violence against several groups ranging from Muslims and Jews as well as these crossing the lines (these engaged in inter-communal sex as well as these converting to Islam or Judaism) and to lepers. He discovers that violence often had ritualistic properties and as such was limited. He also discovers that violence against ethnic minorities was often directed towards their protector, the king. In fact it was a relatively safe way to attack the king's policies.
Overall, this is an excellent work dealing with violence as a language that should be analyzed as any other text.
Overall, this is an excellent work dealing with violence as a language that should be analyzed as any other text.
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