Beyond the Regnum Teutonicum

The essay evaluates the distinctiveness and importance of thework of Timothy Reuter, based on a major recent collection ofhis writings. It suggests that Reuter's roots in both the Germanand English scholarly traditions, combined with his unusuallybroad historical interests, enabled him to bring unique perspectivesto bear upon the development of European political institutions,mentalities, and modes of behaviour during a period—theninth to twelfth centuries—which is still often ascribedfundamental formative importance in European life. In particular,Reuter succeeded in transcending some of the structural limitationsof both the English and (post-war, West-) German historiographiesof the central medieval period.