Author Description

This book presents a complete translation of the Register of Pope Gregory VII (1073-1085), one of the very greatest and most vigorous of all the popes and makers of European and world history. The Register survives as Registrum Vaticanum 2 in the Vatican Archives; its some 390 items are divided into nine books. It is generally accepted as being an `original' Register - a working record of the papal entourage into which, for the most part, outgoing letters and other documents were copied in small batches soon after they were drafted. Many of the letters were of Gregory's own dictation and therefore offer insight into his powerful personality and distinctive ideas. They are a prime source for assessing his reforming aims and methods which prepared the way for the papal monarchy of the later Middle Ages. They illustrate his dealings with the European rulers of his time, such as Henry IV of Germany, with whom he had a famous meeting at Canossa, and William the Conqueror, whom he viewed with critical regard. His part in preparing the way for the Crusade excites the greatest interest.This is the first complete translation of Gregory VII's Register into a modern language.