History of Medieval Political Thought

Incorporating research previously unavailable in English, this clear guide gives a synthesis of the latest scholarship providing the historical and intellectual context for political ideas.This accessible and lucid guide to medieval political thought* gives a synthesis of the latest scholarship* incorporates the results of research until now unavailable in English* focuses on the crucial primary source material* provides the historical and intellectual context for political ideas.The book covers four periods, each with a different focus:* 300-750 - Christian ideas of rulership * 750-1050 - the Carolingian period and its aftermath* 1050-1290 - the relationship between temporal and spiritual power, and the revived legacy of antiquity* 1290-1450 - the confrontation with political reality in ideas of church and of state, and in juristic thought.Canning has produced an ideal introductory text for undergraduate and postgraduate students of the period.