Female Devotion and Textile Imagery in Medieval English Literature

This study explores how textiles provide a hermeneutical alternative to the patriarchally-dominated written word, illustrating how women's devotion during the Middle Ages was a fabricated phenomenon expressed, devised, and practised through cloth. It centres on four icons of female devotion and explores a broad range of narratives from medieval English literature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 05 March 2024
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

Unveiling the profound female voices, lived experiences, and spiritual insights encoded within the imagery of textiles during the Middle Ages, this groundbreaking study delves into the rich tapestry of medieval English literature. For countless generations, women have communicated and engaged with the world through the medium of cloth, leaving an indelible mark on the literature and art of this era. However, these captivating representations of women have remained largely unexplored. By drawing upon the emerging field of medieval textile studies and integrating contemporary theories of gender, materiality, and eco-criticism, this study offers a fresh perspective on the role of textiles in shaping women's devotion during this transformative period.

It argues that the notion of women's unwavering devotion during the Middle Ages was, in fact, a fabricated phenomenon, a mode of spirituality and religious exegesis expressed, devised, and practiced through the medium of cloth. Central to this exploration is a focus on four iconic figures of female devotion: Eve, Mary, St. Veronica, and, of course, Christ. Through a comprehensive examination of a diverse range of narratives spanning from Piers Plowman to the late medieval Morte D'Arthur, the devotions of Margery Kempe to the visionary experiences of Julian of Norwich, Gervase of Tilbury's fantastical Otia Imperialia to the anchoritic guidance literature of the Middle Ages, and the countless lives of Christ, prayers, legends, and miracle tales in between, this study unravels the intricate web of female voices and experiences that were woven into the fabric of medieval society.

By delving into the rich tapestry of medieval English literature, this study sheds light on the ways in which textiles not only served as a material medium for artistic expression but also as a means of expressing and nurturing women's spiritual and emotional well-being. It highlights the profound connection between women, cloth, and the divine, emphasizing the ways in which women used textiles to express their faith, connect with the divine, and navigate the complexities of their lives. Moreover, this study underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of women to medieval culture and society, challenging the patriarchal narratives that have often marginalized their voices and experiences.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking study offers a fresh and compelling perspective on the role of textiles in shaping women's devotion during the Middle Ages. By uncovering the female voices, lived experiences, and spiritual insights encoded by the imagery of textiles, it provides a valuable contribution to the field of medieval studies and sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of women's lives in this historical period.

Weight: 1g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781843847137