Selected Studies

Selected Studies collects key essays and writings from medieval historian Ernst Kantorowicz spanning his career from the 1930s-1960s. The volume presents his research on political theology, sovereignty, and the development of medieval kingship and statehood. The book includes Kantorowicz's foundational work on the concept of the "king's two bodies" - the physical and political bodies of monarchs. His essays examine how medieval thinkers understood royal authority, divine right, and the relationship between secular and religious power. Each study draws on extensive analysis of medieval texts, art, and legal documents to trace the evolution of political ideas. The collection demonstrates how theological concepts shaped medieval theories of governance and authority. The work reveals the deep connections between religious thought and political philosophy in medieval Europe, offering insights into how sacred and secular authority became intertwined. These studies influenced generations of scholars in political theory, medieval studies, and intellectual history.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Ernst Kantorowicz's overall work: Readers consistently praise Kantorowicz's intellectual depth while noting his works demand significant effort. "The King's Two Bodies" receives particular attention for its analysis of medieval political thought. What readers liked: - Deep research and thorough documentation - Original insights into medieval political concepts - Interdisciplinary approach combining history, theology, and law - Clear connection between medieval ideas and modern political theory What readers disliked: - Dense, complex writing style requiring multiple readings - Heavy use of untranslated Latin and French passages - Assumption of extensive background knowledge - Length and detail can overwhelm casual readers Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (50+ ratings) Common reader comments highlight the book's difficulty but ultimate reward. One reviewer noted: "Like climbing a mountain - challenging but worth it for the view." Another described it as "Not for beginners, but invaluable for serious students of medieval history." Many academic reviewers specifically value his analysis of how medieval concepts of kingship evolved and influenced modern political thought.

The King's Two Bodies by Ernst Kantorowicz This medieval political theology study traces the concept of the dual nature of kingship from ancient to modern times through legal, political, and theological texts.

Sacred and Secular in Medieval and Early Modern Cultures by Lawrence Besserman The text examines the intersection of religious and secular power structures in medieval Europe through analysis of literature, art, and political documents.

Political Theology: Four Chapters on the Concept of Sovereignty by Carl Schmitt The work explores the relationship between theological concepts and political theory through historical analysis of state authority and governance.

The Royal Remains: The People's Two Bodies and the Endgames of Sovereignty by Eric L. Santner This study builds on Kantorowicz's framework to analyze modern political theology and the concept of sovereignty in contemporary society.

Image, Text, and Religious Reform in Fifteenth-Century England by Shannon Gayk The book investigates the role of religious imagery and text in late medieval English political and religious culture through primary source analysis.

📚 Ernst Kantorowicz wrote his groundbreaking book "The King's Two Bodies" while at Princeton, after fleeing Nazi Germany and refusing to swear a loyalty oath at Berkeley during the McCarthy era. 🏰 The author's studies of medieval kingship revealed how rulers were viewed as having two bodies: a physical, mortal body and a political, immortal body that represented the perpetual nature of sovereignty. 📜 Kantorowicz's work bridged multiple disciplines, combining art history, theology, political theory, and literature to create a new approach to medieval studies. ⚔️ His research on Frederick II, published in 1927, was so detailed and vivid that some critics accused him of writing historical fiction rather than academic history. 🎓 Before becoming a renowned medievalist, Kantorowicz was part of the elite Stefan George Circle in Germany, a group of poets and intellectuals who sought to create a new cultural renaissance in Europe.