Review: Medieval Nuns At War by Elizabeth Quillen

Synopsis: Medieval Nuns at War by Elizabeth Quillen uncovers the extraordinary lives of nuns who defied expectations, embracing roles that went far beyond contemplation and prayer. From the rebellion of Princess Clothild and her sister Basina, who led mercenaries to storm their abbey, to Queen Radegund's quest for autonomy within the cloistered world of Poitiers, these stories reveal women unafraid to wield power in times of crisis. "These women made their marks briefly, but brightly in the pages of chronicles, poems, and letters," Quillen writes, bringing to life their audacity and ambition in shaping medieval society.

Quillen's deeply researched narrative explores how these nuns balanced spiritual devotion with an intense drive for influence, often clashing with both secular and ecclesiastical authorities. Not content to remain within convent walls, women like Leoba, who served as an imperial regent, and Hildegund von Schonau, who disguised herself as a monk to escape persecution, exemplify the resilience of medieval nuns. Quillen illustrates how convents functioned as political centres, not isolated enclaves, with nuns as pivotal figures in military defence, treaty negotiations, and even political rebellion.

For readers fascinated by the hidden currents of medieval history, Medieval Nuns at War is a rare treasure. Quillen's captivating prose and meticulous scholarship shed new light on these "rebellious, resilient, and rowdy women," who not only fought for survival but also left indelible marks on their societies. Through letters, chronicles, and centuries-old biographies, this book finally gives these fearless women the recognition they deserve as warriors, leaders, and guardians of their communities.

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Having read this book, I am probably not the best person to provide a review for a reader new to this topic. I read (and have read) quite extensively across the periods of history under study here, am familiar with the names and stories, so I get a little picky with topics that don't live up to their hype - specifically some of the tediously anachronistic titles that don't follow up with any meaningful substance.

The subjects at hand were at least varied from the Merovingian period right through the Crusades and to the 17th century - and kudos certainly for providing a modicum of originality in the choice of subjects. However, the lack of adequate information and the overall density of that provided made for very dull reading, and a tome that had to be "propped up" with other pieces of information not directly relevant to the topic at hand (the chapter on the Crusades stands out in this).

To be honest, the more I think about this, the more I wonder what the actual premise was ...... provide a sourcebook on nuns or other female religieuse who went to war / war zones, or who battled it out for power between themselves or rival institutions - both could have been achievable with a great deal of selective editing, and a few more examples.  

We the reader are fully aware of the political role played but some female religieuse, who stepped out of their community and into the secular world - even more documentation and examples in this field would have been welcomed - but again, there was a scarcity.  The focus in some chapters was so narrow that there was inadequate data to fill them - and so the "puff" was added - again, other examples would have been quite sufficient.

Again, one must be careful when one attributes so much to their subject but fails to deliver.  The reader does not like to be deceived.

The more I read, the more diverse I am becoming, looking for niche topics. I am not concerned with quantity - just quality! Less is more I believe someone once said - the same applies to books. We know you have done your research - it doesn't need for every piece to be put into print. This just didn't work for me.

The two stars is for Catelina de Erauso, whom I discovered many many years ago, and am glad to see someone else has now.