Here he looks at an iconic figure from the Middle Ages from a new perspective, criticizing the views of the famous German historian Ernst Kantorowicz concerning Frederick II of Hohenstaufen, whom Abulafia sees as a conservative figure rather than as a genius born out of his time.
This author looks at a prominent historical figure from the Middle Ages in a new light, challenging the perspective of the well-known German historian Ernst Kantorowicz on Frederick II of Hohenstaufen.  Abulafia argues that Kantorowicz mischaracterized Frederick II as a genius of his time, while Abulafia sees him as a conservative figure.