The Register of Pope Gregory VII 1073-1085: An English Translation

Gregory VII ranks among the very greatest popes of all time, and as an outstanding figure of European and even world history. The letters in his Register, of which this is the first complete modern translation, shed penetrating light on his personality, purposes, and actions, and especially on his often dramatic dealings with the kings and kingdoms of Europe in the late eleventh century.
This text presents a complete translation of the Register of Pope Gregory VII (1073-1085), one of the greatest and most vigorous of all the popes and makers of European and world history. The Register survives as Registrum Vaticanum 2 in the Vatican Archives; its some 390 items are divided into nine books. It is generally accepted as being an "original" Register - a working record of the papal entourage into which, for the most part, outgoing letters and other documents were copied in small batches soon after they were drafted Many of the letters were of Gregory's own dictation and therefore offer insight into his powerful personality and distinctive ideas. They are a prime source for assessing his reforming aims and methods which prepared the way for the papal monarchy of the later Middle Ages. They illustrate his dealings with the European rulers of his time, such as Henry IV of Germany, with whom he had a famous meeting at Canossa, and William the Conqueror, whom he viewed with critical regard. His part in preparing the way for the Crusade should be of particular interest.