Crusade and Conversion on the Baltic Frontier 1150–1500

by Alan V. Murray (Editor)

This volume represents a major contribution to the history of the Northern Crusades and the Christianization of the Baltic lands in the Middle Ages, from the beginnings of the Catholic mission to the time of the Reformation. The subjects treated range from discussions of the ideology and practice of crusade and conversion, through studies of the motivation of the crusading countries (Denmark, Sweden and Germany) and the effects of the crusades on the countries of the eastern Baltic coast (Finland, Estonia, Livonia, Prussia and Lithuania), to analyses of the literature and historiography of the crusade. It brings together essays from both established and younger scholars from the western tradition with those from the modern Baltic countries and Russia, and presents in English some of the fruits of the first decade of historical scholarship and dialogue after the collapse of the Iron Curtain. The depth of treatment, diversity of approaches, and accompanying bibliography of publications make this collection a major resource for the teaching of the Baltic Crusades.

Genres: History

326 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2001

Reviews

[J.M. Hushour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fine volume in this series, this one focuses on redressing the hesitance in regional historiographies at even calling what happened in northeastern Europe a "crusade". It clearly was. In fact, as becomes clear in a larger, longer, perspective, it was actually successful, whereas the Middle Eastern Crusades were ultimately superfluous failures. Knights and monk-knights were tempted with indulgences and given free rein to baptize and rape their way from Rugen to Reval. Although you won't get nearly as much as you crave for when it comes to the actual Baltic peoples, the volume includes a number of impressive essays that neatly contextualize these murderous irruptions into the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. Scandinavian, especially Danish, political shenanigans get a big focus here, as well as the "crusade against other Christians" in the context of the eastern Christians of Rus, to the east of the area in question. There are also a few nice tidbits on ethnic minorities.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wide range of essays on the subject, which adds up to a good overview. Even though this is a collection of essays, it still works as an introduction for people (like me), who don't know much about the specific subject, but have a good general knowledge of European mediaeval history.