Lives, Identities and Histories in the Central Middle Ages

Medieval people defined themselves through a complex web of factors, including family, region, and religion, and balanced their identities with the demands of their communities. Lives, Identities, and Histories in the Central Middle Ages explores these identities through a wide range of sources and cultural and social approaches, revealing their multi-layered and sometimes contradictory dimensions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In the vibrant tapestry of medieval society, individuals navigated a delicate balance between their personal identities and the demands of their communities. Lives, Identities, and Histories in the Central Middle Ages, a captivating volume, delves into the intricate dimensions of these identities, shedding light on their multifaceted and often conflicting nature. Drawing upon a diverse array of sources, ranging from legal texts to hagiographies and biblical exegesis, and employing a range of cultural and social perspectives, this work enriches our understanding of medieval people's identities. It explores the ways in which they defined themselves and how others perceived them, considering their roles as individuals, members of groups, and integral parts of communities.

This volume adopts a complex and expansive definition of identities that extends beyond familial and regional affiliations, encompassing social status, gender, age, literacy levels, and displacement. Through a rich dialogue between the chapters, new figures and concepts of identities emerge, woven together through an approach rooted in life-histories, lived experiences, ethnogenesis, theories of diaspora, cultural memory, and generational change.

Medieval people's identities were shaped by a multitude of factors, including religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and societal norms. They crafted their sense of self through a complex interplay of personal experiences, social interactions, and cultural influences. The chapters in this volume explore the diverse ways in which individuals expressed their identities, from the construction of religious identities to the portrayal of gender roles and the negotiation of social hierarchies.

Moreover, the study of medieval people's identities sheds light on the broader social and cultural dynamics of the period. It explores the ways in which communities were formed, maintained, and transformed, and how individuals negotiated their place within these communities. The volume examines the role of social institutions, such as the church, the state, and the family, in shaping identities and the ways in which individuals responded to these institutions.

In conclusion, Lives, Identities, and Histories in the Central Middle Ages offers a profound exploration of the complex and multifaceted nature of medieval people's identities. By drawing upon a wide range of sources and employing diverse cultural and social approaches, this volume enriches our understanding of these individuals and their place in the world. It provides valuable insights into the ways in which identities were constructed, expressed, and negotiated in the medieval period, and serves as a testament to the rich and diverse tapestry of medieval society.

Weight: 646g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781107160804