Henriku Liivimaa kroonika

by Henricus de Lettis, Julius Mägiste (Translator)

The only English translation available of the most important first-hand account of the Northern Crusades in the Baltic states has finally been reprinted, with additional maps and a revised introduction by James A. Brundage. Henry's chronicle is the only surviving evidence for many episodes in the early stages of Christendom in the Eastern Baltic. In describing sights, sounds, and even the personal appearance and quirks of many of the people he encountered, Henry of Livonia provides us with an invaluable and deeply human history.

The Pope's call for a renewed holy war at the end of the twelfth century inspired not only the famous crusades in the Middle East but also a series of less celebrated yet decidedly more successful Northern Crusades. At the time, the region of Livonia (present day Estonia and Latvia) was a crossroads of Germanic, Scandinavian, and Russian trade, culture, and religion. The Chronicle of Henry of Livonia provides insight into not only military operations in the East during this tumultuous period but also the conflicted attitudes of an eyewitness, revealing the complex melding of religious motives with political aims.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Historical

217 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1227

About the author

Henricus de Lettis (Heinrich von Lettland - Henry of Latvia) was a Catholic priest, born between 1180 and 1188. He was probably a German but it is also possible he came from Livonia.

Reviews

[Mattias Ehatamm]

An excellently written primary source that, in addition to providing almost all of the information we have on the Livonian crusade, provides perspectives on the Christian subjugation of pagans from the viewpoint of a priest participating in the efforts. He is sympathetic towards some, but for the most part views the large-scale slaughter of village after village of innocent pagans as justified. The Chronicle also tells a story of what medieval warfare really looked like- the raising of armies, the shifting alliances, and the personal stories accompanying these battles, all written in a very understandable format.

[Rui · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book single-handedly rekindled my love for books, for which I am eternal grateful to Henry of Livonia. His writing, albeit in translated form, kept me hooked to his chronicles until the very end. Thank you Henry of Livonia, kind friend. May you continue to rest in peace as you surely have until now.

[Cäroly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Võiks olla rohkem kommentaare mõningate mõistete ja paikade osas tänapäevases kontekstis. Igal juhul, üks Eesti ajaloo n-ö tüvitekst.

[Bärbel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keskajateemalised rüütlite ja kindlustega lood on mulle alati meeldinud. Noh, nüüd leidsin ühe, mis oli hoopis teistsugune – 13. sajandi alguse kroonika, kirja pandud sündmuste pealtnägija poolt, teemaks muistne vabadusvõitlus.
Appi, kui masendav! Aastakümneid järjest ainult sõjategevus. Kogu nende elu oligi sõda või sõjaks valmistumine. Küll ründasid-tapsid-riisusid ühed, siis jälle teised. Siis jäid ootama, et ju varsti tulevad vastased kättemaksu-rüüsteretkele. Kuigi ilmselgelt näitab Henrik muinaseestlasi kui paganaid meelega halvemas valguses, ei saa üle ega ümber ka kristlaste, ordurüütlite tapatööst. Lõpuks olid ikkagi sama verejanulised mõlemad.
Detailideni kirjeldatakse inimeste piinamist ja tapmist. Sageli ei halastata ka laste peale. Ma jõudsin juba kuus korda imestusega mõelda, et kuidas me üleüldse rahvana ellu jäime, pidevalt “tapeti kõik, keda nähti”. 🙁

[Eric Pecile · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best primary documents for the study of the medieval Baltic. Very well translated into English however one does find a more emotional tone in the German or Latin editions. Displays the high level of education found in medieval society and dilutes the notion of a 'dark age of history'.

[Artur Atson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hea ülevaada ristisõjast algul praeguse Läti aladel hiljem Eesti aladel. Lõpeb 1227 Valjala linnuse alistamisega ja kogu saaremaa ristimisega.