A Companion to the Great Western Schism (1378-1417) (review)

A novel interpretation of the Great Western Schism (1378–1417) challenges conventional views on civil violence during papal elections, suggesting that unruly crowds in Rome were part of traditional celebrations rather than a detrimental force. The study, A Companion to the Great Western Schism, edited by Sean Otto, Joëlle Rollo-Koster, and Thomas M. Izbicki, revises historical narratives by analyzing contemporary evidence to argue that the violence accompanying the election of Pope Urban VI was not as alarming as later portrayed. The volume explores the Schism's multifaceted impacts—spanning political, social, and religious dimensions—across Western Europe, Byzantium, and Islamic regions, offering a comprehensive interdisciplinary perspective. It includes contributions from leading scholars, blending historiography with themes like inter-religious relations, art, and ecclesiastical authority. This work serves as an introductory yet rigorous resource, synthesizing cutting-edge scholarship to reshape understanding of this pivotal medieval crisis.

(Ed.). (2011). A Companion to the Great Western Schism (1378-1417) (review). Toronto Journal of Theology, 27(1), 117–118. https://doi.org/10.1353/tjt.2011.0036