From Villa to Cloister: The Religious Transformation of the Book in Late Antique Gaul

Abstract

This study examines the book culture of late antique Gaul at the time of transition from Gallo-Roman to Frankish society. It highlights the interplay between the political, military, social and cultural factors which gradually transformed the habits of writing, reading and circulating books. A close reading of fifth-century letter-collections reveals a vivid interest in books as transmitters of classical values and as opportunities to reinforce the ties of amicitia. Aristocratic mores and rules dominated book production and reception, which took place predominantly in the aristocratic villae. In the sixth century, books were almost exclusively produced in a religious setting. Surviving sources from this time period (histories, poetry, sermons, saints’ vitae) suggest that changes in the modes of literary production were complemented by new meanings attached to books, which became primary vehicles for expressing identification with Christian ideals. Participation in any or all stages of book production nourished the quest for spiritual perfection, while books themselves were imbued with miraculous properties and venerated as holy objects.