The Making of Medieval Forgeries

Focusing on fifteenth-century England, the book examines the practice of forgery from the Norman Conquest to the early sixteenth century, highlighting its cultural significance. Hiatt explores the influence of humanism on the acceptance of forgeries and analyzes key documents, including John Hardyng's chronicle and charters from Crowland Abbey and the University of Cambridge. A significant portion is dedicated to the Donation of Constantine, involving various European writers, while also addressing the diverse audiences for forgeries, including producers, approvers, and critics.