Addressing Women in Early Medieval Religious Texts

This book investigates female literary cultures from the tenth to the twelfth centuries in England and Scotland by analyzing texts deliberately written for and addressed directly to women. It demonstrates continuities across Old English and Latin texts written for female readers and patrons across the Conquest period, focusing on the form of the textual address. Case studies range from Ælfric's sermons to Aelred's De institutione inclusarum, from the Life of Christina of Markyate to Goscelin's saints' lives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 18 June 2021
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

An in-depth exploration of texts specifically crafted for and directed towards women offers a fresh perspective on the rich tapestry of female literary cultures. During the tenth to twelfth centuries in England and Scotland, there exists limited evidence of women's writing, raising the question of how we can gain insight into their experiences. This book posits that by analyzing texts deliberately crafted for and addressed directly to women, we can unlock the horizons of possibility for their lives. It delves into religious texts specifically tailored for female readers, showcasing a harmonious blend of well-known and lesser-known works. Through a close examination of the form of textual address, the book sheds light on the intimate scripts women were encouraged to inhabit. By focusing on address, the book illuminates the ways in which women were guided to live, while also revealing the textual addresses that held particular value and were sought after by women. By tracing the commissioning and copying of texts by women, the book underscores the diverse preferences and approaches they adopted in their literary endeavors. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the world of women's writing and sheds light on the rich and diverse literary cultures of medieval Europe.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 146 x 223 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781843845966