The Royal Touch

The Royal Touch examines the medieval belief that kings of England and France could cure disease through physical contact. Marc Bloch traces this practice from its origins through its eventual decline, documenting how monarchs would perform healing rituals by touching those afflicted with scrofula. The book reconstructs the political and religious context that allowed this supernatural power to become a cornerstone of royal authority. Through extensive research of primary sources, Bloch analyzes court documents, medical treatises, and ecclesiastical records to piece together how this practice shaped relationships between rulers and subjects. The historical investigation spans multiple centuries and royal dynasties in both England and France, comparing how the ritual evolved differently in each kingdom. Bloch examines specific cases and ceremonies while maintaining focus on broader patterns of belief and authority. This work stands as both a study of medieval mentalities and an exploration of how religious and political power intertwined. The concept of divine healing reveals fundamental aspects of medieval kingship and the relationship between the sacred and secular in pre-modern Europe.

Readers note this historical text can be dense and academic but rewards careful study. Most comments highlight Bloch's thorough research and clear analysis of how medieval monarchs were believed to heal through touch. Likes: - Detailed primary source documentation - Clear explanations of medieval medical and religious beliefs - Connections between healing rituals and political power - Translation quality praised for readability Dislikes: - Academic tone intimidating for general readers - Some sections bog down in granular historical details - High price point of recent editions - Limited availability in print Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (87 ratings) Amazon: Not enough reviews for rating Google Books: 4/5 (12 ratings) "Made a complex topic accessible without oversimplifying" - Goodreads reviewer "Too focused on minute details rather than broader cultural impact" - Goodreads reviewer "The definitive work on royal healing practices but requires committed reading" - Google Books review

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🌟 Marc Bloch wrote this groundbreaking study of the "royal touch" while serving in the trenches during World War I, completing much of the research through letters to librarians and colleagues. 👑 The practice of royal healing, where monarchs would touch people to cure scrofula (a type of tuberculosis), continued for nearly 800 years in England and France, with Charles X being the last French king to perform the ritual in 1825. 📚 Bloch's innovative approach in this book combined methods from anthropology, psychology, folklore studies, and medical history—establishing him as one of the pioneers of interdisciplinary historical research. ⚔️ The author later became a founding member of the French Resistance during World War II and was executed by the Gestapo in 1944, making this book one of his enduring scholarly legacies. 🏰 The book revolutionized the study of medieval kingship by showing how supernatural beliefs were fundamental to political power, rather than treating them as mere superstition or propaganda.