Bonds of Wool

"An outstanding and stimulating monograph. The small size and humble material of the object that is its focus belies the historical significance Schoenig reveals through his erudite analysis and exposition of the development of papal power across the early and central Middle Ages." - Church History "Concentrating on the eighth to twelfth centuries, Bonds of Wool is engaging reading for students of church history and for others interested in the exercise of power." - First Things "In this exhaustive and superbly researched monograph, Steven Schoenig shows how the history of a seemingly humble liturgical garment can be used to document the evolution of the papal-monarchic ecclesiology of medieval western Christendom...will long be considered the definitive source for this subject." - Journal of Ecclesiastical History "This is a monumental work, of immense learning and interest, into which are skilfully woven together both the threads of significant change and development in the history of the medieval papacy, and innumerable lively details of the forces shaping the lives and endeavours of the Metropolitans and other bishops of Western Europe." - New Blackfriars "Scholars and liturgical buffs will find much to learn and ponder in Bonds of Wool. This scholarly study gives a thorough history of the band of white wool -- worn around the collar of residential archbishops even to the present day -- and its ties to medieval culture and the era''s papal influence." - Our Sunday Visitor "Schoenig's mastery of the source documents and insights into the archival habits of the papal chancery make Bonds of Wool of great value to historians, especially those focused on the history of the institutional church. Students of medieval gift exchange will also find this a rich source of inspiration." - Speculum