Cluny: In Search of God's Lost Empire

Easy to read, close up reading of a roughly 2 century period in which Cluny became the leading authority in both church and state (by connection and relation). What would have made this book even better would have been images of places, maps, etc. that the story covers. Describing sculpture in words for a page or so, does not really do it for me, and that's where the book simply disappoints at times; hence one star off. Other than that a good read for understanding the times, and the mind of the times, in as far as possible, as we're still left with a mix of wonder, disappointment and amazement at learning not only ow all this has been built up, but also how it was returned to scrap (almost), and replaced by the 'next wave of new cool' in Catholic religion, called Cistercians, only to see that come to fall prey to the very same thing that they strove against in the first place. Cycles, then is what we're observing here, in times that religion played a major part in culture and society (yet no more, except maybe in other parts of the world, in which respect reading this book might serve one with a dose of relativity). Belief, then is what was (is?) driving people that make up society and makes these movements thriving. Last but not least, for the mixed feelings when reading this; both the Cluny empire and the Cistercians were organizing crusades, for a variety of reasons. Imagine that in these days; sort of like an army crossing a continent on their way to a battle field in the name of yes, you guess it...

This book was wonderful. My reason for ordering it was that my wife and I had just visited Cluny and saw that it had been an amazing place. We were intrigued enough to want to learn more about it. The author of this book is a very good writer with much insight into the Medieval Period, having done extensive research and using wonderful turn of phrase in order to illustrate facts presented. Cluny itself was a very significant part of Church history, and one wonders why we simply don't hear much about it these days. The book shows that the tenth through the thirteenth centuries spanned a time when orthodox religion was paramount in people's minds, unlike today when novelties of the modern world tend to drown it out.This book has caused us to actually want to return to Burgundy, both to Cluny itself and to see other sites which Cluny had inspired during this period in history. I recommend it whole-heartedly.

The story is fascinating and worthy of a five star book. This isn't that book.Why not?One star off for factual errors. Even little things add up. For example, Mullins at one point calls Cluny an ally of the Vatican. Politically and religiously, that may be true--but the Holy See was run out of the Lateran Palace, not the Vatican, until the 14th century. A minor point, to be sure, but it's far from the only such lapse. And inattention to little details I know about makes me wonder how much I can trust details I don't know about.One star off for lack of perspective. One need not be a medieval Catholic to write about Cluny. But it helps, considerably, to have thought more about the medieval era and its perspective than Mullins seems to have done. What we are given is the reflexive prejudices of the early 21st century, and only lip service to the idea that religious faith and love of God may have had as much--or more--to do with goings-on at Cluny than money, power, misogyny, and a "morbid fear of death." Every author brings his views to his books. A good author should at least make an attempt to understand his subject's views as well, and I didn't see much evidence of that here.

This book is well written and worth reading. As it explores the Cluny monastery, it covers a number of other subjects including politics, life styles, art, and of course religion. The prose is creative and accessible, and I especially liked the focus on architecture and art. The book really shines when the author rhapsodizes about tympanums, columns and sculptures found in the medieval churches. This book is even more valuable because so little of Cluny remains today, making this an essential read if you're interested in understanding more about medieval life and religion. My only quibble is that there aren't more images of churches, art etc. There are a few pencil drawings, but not nearly enough. I made up for it by googling the images as I read, and surprisingly many of them can be found online. In any case, it's only a small problem. I'd have given this book 4 1/2 stars rather than 5 because of it if the rating system would have allowed it.

This book is a succinct, yet moving narrative. It flows easily, and is powerful love story between the author and his subject. The potent respect and care for the subject leaves the reader also infatuated with an ideal vision of Cluny, of what could have been, yet does not spare the reader from the inevitable flaws in such a massive empire.

The work of the residents of Cluny had a major influence in the pilgrimages of the middle ages, especially the pilgrimage to the shrine of St. James at Santiago de Campostela in the province of Galicia in Spain.Edwin Mullins has also written an excellent book about the pilgrimage.Anyone who wishes to imitate the pilgrims of the middle ages should consider making the pilgrimage to Santiago. Most of the religious buildings along the way show the massive influence of Cluny.Don't just read about Cluny and the pilgrimage. Go see it and do it.I am still on my pilgrimage and wear my scallop shell as a reminder.Norma Williamson

In other historical works I've occasionally found reference to "Cluny" and brief mention of its significance in medieval Europe. The abbey at Cluny played a dynamic role in the function of the church in Western Europe, and this book paints a clear, "readable" picture of that role. The author avoids rehashing material found abundantly in other works on medieval monastic life and focuses on the political and religious influence of this particular institution and its leaders. If this book has an obvious weakness it is its insufficient use of illustrations.

Bought this for £1.00 it was second hand from a library I think and in perfect condition. It had a tiny mark on the cover where a sticker was removed. Can’t believe it was so cheap. Really enjoying this book. I’m not really into history but it’s a great read. It’s funny to hear about the lavish lifestyle of the monks when in goes against what they preach. Also interesting how the intentions were pure yet things just got out of control.

If you have any interest at all in the history of Europe in the middle ages, Romanesque art and architecture, or the rise and fall of the monasteries, you should buy this book. It is beautifully written, accessible but based on deep understanding. A tour de force - I came on it by chance, and I shall always be glad that I did.

Clean new copy delivered promptly. Excellent service.

OK, gives an overview but a bit parochial, if you want something deeper and more historical I would look elsewhere, overall disappointed.

An important contribution to the history of abbeys during the Renaissance time.