Pius II and the Andreis (1462): Textual Circulation, Crusade Promotion and Papal Power.

This article investigates the Andreis, an account of the 1462 Roman adventus of St Andrew's head relic. While the text is most commonly known from Book VIII of Pope Pius II's Commentaries (1462‐64), it appeared in discrete parts and circulated independently from 1462. The Andreis is revealed as a compilation of texts by several authors, undermining Pius' traditional role as the sole author of the Andreis and later Commentaries. Additionally, the Andreis is identified as an early festival book, with similar norms of circulation, impact, and elite presentation. Recreating the adventus through texts written for the event, the Andreis reflects contemporary expectations for festival books, while also encouraging support for an Ottoman crusade. Thus, circulating separately and later as part of the Commentaries, the Andreis contributed to Pius' crusade campaign and reputation, arguing for the pope's authority as Peter's heir, his popularity as a leader, and his rightful role as the protector of Eastern Christians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]