Medical Writings from Early Medieval England

The first comprehensive edition and translation of Old English writings on health and healing in over 150 years, offering insights into the history of science and medicine, social history, scribal practices, and culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 864 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2023
Publisher: Harvard University Press

Unlike elsewhere in Europe, vernacular writings on health and healing played a significant role in early medieval England. These texts, which include unique local remedies and translations of late antique Latin treatises, provide valuable insights into the history of science and medicine, social history, scribal practices, and culture. Some of the cures resemble ones that are still used today, while others are linguistically extravagant, prescribing ambitious healing practices. Alongside recipes for everyday ailments like headaches, the collection includes unparalleled procedures for preventing infant mortality, restoring lost cattle, warding off elf-shot, and remedying the effects of flying venom.

Medical Writings from Early Medieval England presents the first comprehensive edition and translation from Old English of these works in more than 150 years. Volume I includes The Old English Herbal, Remedies from Animals, Lacnunga, the Peri Didaxeon, and a compendium of miscellaneous texts.

Vernacular writings on health and healing in early medieval England were unique and played a significant role in the history of science and medicine. These texts, which include local remedies, translations of late antique Latin treatises, and miscellaneous texts, offer insights into various aspects of medieval culture, including science and medicine, social history, scribal practices, and culture. Some of the cures resemble ones that are still used today, while others are linguistically extravagant and prescribe ambitious healing practices. The collection also includes procedures for preventing infant mortality, restoring lost cattle, warding off elf-shot, and remedying the effects of flying venom.

The first comprehensive edition and translation of Old English writings on health and healing in more than 150 years, Medical Writings from Early Medieval England presents a valuable resource for scholars and researchers interested in medieval history, science, and medicine. Volume I includes The Old English Herbal, Remedies from Animals, Lacnunga, the Peri Didaxeon, and a compendium of miscellaneous texts, providing a comprehensive overview of these vernacular works and their significance in the history of early medieval England.

Dimension: 203 x 133 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674290822