Rennie (history, University of Queensland, Brisbane) has combed archives and corrupt printed records in his research on the eleventh century bishop and papal legate, Hugh of Die. Hugh was appointed by Pope Gregory VII in 1073 to administer the decrees concerning reform within the Church. Hugh's duty was to preside at councils in Northern France, particularly concerning issues of clerical marriage, simony, and lay investiture. The records of these councils and other judgments made by Hugh provide a window into concerns in this time of reform in which the popes attempted to wrest control of ecclesiastical property and offices from the local lords. The records also trace the evolution of canon law. Rennie treats both these topics with in-depth research and thoughtful conclusions. Distributed in North America by the David Brown Book Co. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)