Introduction
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P. J. P. Goldberg
Abstract
This introduction provides a substantial overview of current thinking about English medieval women below the level of the greater aristocracy. In addition, the editor explores many of the methodological problems and strengths of particular sources. Much writing on medieval women has, moreover, drawn upon literary sources, a reflection of the way in which the field of Medieval Studies has come to be dominated by literary scholars. The purpose of the book is twofold. The first is to make accessible and thus more familiar a broad variety of sources that can throw light on English medieval women in England. The second is to stimulate scholarship that makes greater use of a range of sources than has hitherto been normal. The book explores the life-cycle themes of childhood, adolescence, married life, widowhood and old age. It examines such topics as work in town and country, prostitution, the law, recreation and devotion.
Abstract
This introduction provides a substantial overview of current thinking about English medieval women below the level of the greater aristocracy. In addition, the editor explores many of the methodological problems and strengths of particular sources. Much writing on medieval women has, moreover, drawn upon literary sources, a reflection of the way in which the field of Medieval Studies has come to be dominated by literary scholars. The purpose of the book is twofold. The first is to make accessible and thus more familiar a broad variety of sources that can throw light on English medieval women in England. The second is to stimulate scholarship that makes greater use of a range of sources than has hitherto been normal. The book explores the life-cycle themes of childhood, adolescence, married life, widowhood and old age. It examines such topics as work in town and country, prostitution, the law, recreation and devotion.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents iv
- Dedication vi
- Acknowledgements vii
- Foreword viii
- Note on editorial conventions used ix
- Introduction 1
- I Childhood 57
- II Adolescence 87
- III Husband and wife 130
- IV Widowhood, poverty, and old age 146
- V Work in the countryside 167
- VI Work in the town 183
- VII Prostitution 210
- VIII Law and custom 223
- IX Recreation 261
- X Devotion 266
- Bibliography 296
- Index 305
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents iv
- Dedication vi
- Acknowledgements vii
- Foreword viii
- Note on editorial conventions used ix
- Introduction 1
- I Childhood 57
- II Adolescence 87
- III Husband and wife 130
- IV Widowhood, poverty, and old age 146
- V Work in the countryside 167
- VI Work in the town 183
- VII Prostitution 210
- VIII Law and custom 223
- IX Recreation 261
- X Devotion 266
- Bibliography 296
- Index 305
