Matthew Spinka, Howard Kaminsky, and the Future of the Medieval Hussites

Thomas A. Fudge

Matthew Spinka, Howard Kaminsky, and the Future of the Medieval Hussites
Format
Hardback
Publisher
Lexington Books
Country
United States
Published
30 June 2021
Pages
352
ISBN
9781793650801

Matthew Spinka, Howard Kaminsky, and the Future of the Medieval Hussites

Thomas A. Fudge

The Hussite movement in Bohemia is an essential component for understanding the general history of medieval Europe and the Hussite period is a critical event for the development of western civilization. Matthew Spinka and Howard Kaminsky stand at the forefront of scholarship introducing this subject to the Anglophone world. The author argues their role in the religious historiography of late medieval Europe is a precursor to global medievalism. Combining commitment to the Christian faith with firm opposition to the Soviet-mandated Marxist-Communist ideology that dominated twentieth-century Czechoslovakia, Spinka strove to present Jan Hus as a medieval figure driven by religious devotion. Motivated by Jewish atheism and a modified form of Marxist analysis, Kaminsky rescued the medieval Hussites from oblivion, and political agendas, and presented them to the English-reading world. The author explores biography, history, and historiography as an essential intellectual segue between late medieval Hussites and modern scholarship. The book takes into account salient biographical details, provides an evaluation of the work of both historians, elaborates their methods, assesses their interpretations, and analyzes their historiographical significance for the study of Hussite history. This book is also a valuable contribution to understanding the writing of history.

This item is not currently in-stock. It can be ordered online and is expected to ship in approx 2 weeks

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.