This is a solid,
scholarly biography of a largely forgotten figure of the 13th century.
Like the more familiar/famous William Marshal, John de Brienne rose from
younger son to ruler of a kingdom. In Marshal's case, as regent for
Henry III, in John de Brienne's case as a crowned an anointed monarch,
first King of Jerusalem and later Emperor of Constantinople. Yet his
life, so typically medieval in many ways, was filled with many
disappointments and set-backs as well.
Perry provides excellent context and background for his biography. I found his analysis of the role of the Champagne in the "Latin East" particularly enlightening. The book also shines a light on patronage systems generally.
Disappointing, however, was that despite all the careful analysis of events, the character of John never came to life. I was left feeling I did not know him or what motivated him, much less what he felt -- for his wives, his daughter, his subjects -- anyone! This was less the author's fault than a function of the kind of sources he had to rely on. John left no diary and few letters, and charters make for dry reading.
Perry provides excellent context and background for his biography. I found his analysis of the role of the Champagne in the "Latin East" particularly enlightening. The book also shines a light on patronage systems generally.
Disappointing, however, was that despite all the careful analysis of events, the character of John never came to life. I was left feeling I did not know him or what motivated him, much less what he felt -- for his wives, his daughter, his subjects -- anyone! This was less the author's fault than a function of the kind of sources he had to rely on. John left no diary and few letters, and charters make for dry reading.
Starting tomorrow, I will summarize the key facts of John de Brienne's life in three entries.
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