Middle-Aged Women in the Middle Ages (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781843842828)

New research into medieval women from the Anglo-Saxon to the late medieval period demonstrates their energy, defiance and wit.

The phenomenon of medieval women's middle age is a stage in the lifecycle that has been frequently overlooked in preference for the examination of female youth and old age. The essays collected here, ranging from the Anglo-Saxon to the late medieval period, and drawing variously from literary studies, history, law, art and theology, address this lacuna. Taking a variety of critical approaches, the contributors consider medieval definitions, paradigms andexperiences of female middle age, analysing how the middle-aged woman perceived herself subjectively, as well as how she was perceived by others. They seek to challenge the received wisdom that in the middle ages, at forty, womenwere deemed "old" and, from that point onwards, their thoughts should be focused on preparing for death. On the contrary, this collection demonstrates their energy, defiance and wit.

Sue Niebrzydowski is Lecturer in English, Bangor University, Wales.

Contributors: Jane Geddes, Clare A. Lees, Carol M. Meale, Anneke B. Mulder-Bakker, Sue Niebrzydowski, Raluca L. Radulescu, Sara Elin Roberts, Corinne Saunders, Diane Watt.

Author: Sue Niebrzydowski
ISBN-10: 1843842823
ISBN-13: 9781843842828
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer
Language: English
Published: 12/15/2011
Pages: 168
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 6.50h x 9.50w x 0.60d