A study of the history and documentary records of one of Ireland's most important early monastic communities, the "familia" of St Columba (Colum Cille) between the sixth and twelfth centuries. The federation of Columban monasteries left three major hagiographies - the "Vita Columbae" of Adomnan, the "life of Adomnan" and an Irish life of Colum Cille. Part 1 sets the historical scene, describing the internal development and external relations of the Columban "familia" from its sixth-century origins to its break up in the twelfth century; and the transfer of leadership of the federation from Iona to Kells and subsequently to Derry. Part 2 examines the content, language, date, and contemporary concerns revealed by a study of the saints' lives. Part 3 presents the scholarly edition of the Irish life of Colum Cille. This work is aimed at scholars and students of the language and history of early medieval Ireland and Britain; of early Christianity and the early Irish church; of ecclesiastical history; of hagiography and early medieval literature.
- ISBN10 0198201141
- ISBN13 9780198201144
- Publish Date December 1988
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 13 October 1994
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Oxford University Press
- Imprint Clarendon Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 350
- Language English