Families, friends, and allies : : Boulogne and politics in northern France and England, c. 879-1160 / / by Heather J. Tanner.

• Superior document: The northern world ; v. 6
• Author: Tanner, Heather J.
• Year of Publication: 2004
• Language: English
• Series: Northern world ; v. 6.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (xxiv, 399 pages) :; illustrations, maps

This study offers a new model of political development for northern France through an analysis of the interrelationships between the counts of Boulogne and their neighbors in Flanders, Picardy, Normandy, and England. It also illuminates the little studied relations between less powerful counts and their neighboring territorial princes. Organized chronologically from the late ninth through mid-twelfth century, each chapter provides a political narrative and an analysis of the use of kinship and alliance (formal and informal) to govern and conduct politics. The final chapter examines the formation of reputation and identity of the comital family of Boulogne. The book is part of the larger debate on feudalism, the rise of government institutions, kinship and identity.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations -- List of Illustrations -- Maps -- Preface -- Acknowledgements -- 1.Introduction -- 2. The Erly Counts of Boulogne -- 3. The Elventh-Century Counts -- 4. Eustace III and his gradual amalgamation into the Anglo-Norman polity -- 5. The Apex of Boulonnais Power and the Fickleness of Fate -- 6. Noble by birth, more noble by their deeds and virtues -- 7. Conclusion -- Genealogies -- Appendices -- Bibliography -- Index.