Bert Roest, Pietro Delcorno (eds.), Observant Reform and Cultural Production in Europe: Learning, Liturgy and Spiritual Practice (Nijmegen: Radboud University Press, 2023), 302 pages

Abstract

The collective volume under review represents the outcome of a collaborative research initiative aimed at examining diverse aspects of the Observant reforms. Edited by Bert Roest and Pietro Delcorno – both recognized for their substantial work on medieval religious life, particularly concerning the mendicant orders – the volume brings together papers originally presented at a virtual workshop hosted by Radboud University (Nijmegen) in 2021. The workshop, and by extension the volume, centres on a topic with great potential and solid premises: the impact of the Observant movements on the cultural production during late middle ages and early modern times. A part of the contributions, especially those concerned with the Italian context, also address the interplay of Observance and Humanism/ Renaissance as reflected in the written production, preaching strategies, as well as in various artistic expressions (architecture, church decoration, music).