22 APRIL 1922, Page 25

A History of Mediaeval Political Theory in the West. By

R. W. Carlyle and A. J. Carlyle. Vol. IV. (Blackwood. 30s. net.)—In the new volume of this learned and thoughtful work Dr. A. J. Carlyle deals at length with the theories of the relation of the Empire and the Papacy from the tenth to the twelfth century. The famous conflict between the Emperor Henry IV. and Pope Gregory VII., ending in the Emperor's submission at Canossa, is the central episode of the book.

Dr. Carlyle his cautious summing-up remarks that, while the Popes claimed " for many centuries "—as perhaps they still do—the right to depose secular rulers, laymen even in the twelfth century were very far from admitting this Papal claim. The twelfth century canonist, Stephen of Tournai, expressed the current view of the duality of law and life. " Give to each its due and all things will be brought into agreement."