The Great Western Schism, 1378–1417
Performing Legitimacy, Performing Unity

‘… Professor Rollo-Koster’s reanalysis of the great schism as a social drama not only represents a thought-provoking, behaviouralist corrective to political or institutional histories of the schism but could also give those studying many other medieval disputes pause for thought as to whether these conflicts, too, would benefit from being viewed in a more social or humanized light. … Professor Rollo-Koster appeals for historians not to neglect the schism. One could argue that their hesitancy is due in part to the high barriers to entry imposed by the sheer quantity and extent of primary and secondary literature drawn from many different countries and across disciplines which study of the schism involves and of which she so impressively evidences her mastery.’ Martin John Cable, H-France Review

‘In short, Joëlle Rollo-Koster delivers a portrayal of the Great Western Schism based on a subtle understanding of primary sources and international research literature. She raises new questions about old themes, such as the bestowal practices of the Golden Rose, the reflection of the schism in literature and art, contemporary discussions about tyranny and regicide, and their consequences, as well as the significance of papal funeral ceremonies for liturgy and political theology. The author skillfully answers some of these questions methodically.’ Thomas Krzenck, Zeitschrift der Savigny-Stiftung für Rechtsgeschichte

‘[T]his is a tremendous contribution to the English-language investigation of the Schism and the fourteenth-century Catholic Church in France and Italy. Joëlle Rollo-Koster’s mastery of primary sources from this period and supporting historiography is impressive … scholars will find this study to be a monumental support in future studies of the Great Western Schism and investigations of the conflict’s effects on cultural performance.’ Jennifer Mara Desilva, Renaissance and Reformation