Call for papers:

The abbeys of Ligugé, near Poitiers, and Marmoutier, near Tours, are two landmarks of Martinian spirituality, as originally prescribed and developed by the Saint himself. Marmoutier eventually became the centre of a continuously expanded network of priories. However, Martinian abbeys can not be studied on their own: what links did they develop with the slightly older abbey of Lerins, in the South of France, or with the Irish, Fleurisian and Clunisian establishments which developed subsequently? Archaeologists, historians of religion, but also of social and economic phenomena are invited to an International Conference which aims at putting Martinian monachism in context, and studying its links with, and impact on, other brands of monachism. The following is a non-limitative list of possible topics: how did the first Martinian abbeys define themselves in relation with Lerins, or the other, later, orders? Can the Martinian Abbey be defined by a particular kind of spirituality, or way of life? Were these abbeys settled, and did they develop their influence, their networks, according to a logic akin to those of the Irish, or Clunisian, monarchism? Were there any intellectual, economical or cultural links between these places of prayer and worship? It would also be interesting to study these abbeys over the long term: which ones were saved, and why? Or what have been their ways of disappearing? Did they disappear to reappear elsewhere? What is the situation now?

We invite medievalists, early-modern and modern historians to proceed to a 'thick' study of these abbeys, in all their rich diversity.

It is understood that the selection process will give priority to proposals which allow the organization of thematically homogenous workshops.

To submit a paper, please send a 300-word abstract (maximum), before November 30, 2007, to Christine Bousquet-Labouérie (christinebousquet@gmail.com/ christine.bousquet@univ-tours.fr)