Narrating Medicine in Middle English Poetry: Poets, Practitioners, and the Plague

This book explores the storytelling practices of poets, patients, and physicians in England in the 100+ years after the "Great Mortality" and demonstrates how literary narratives enable us to see a kinship between poetry and the healing arts. It also provides new insights into how we can recuperate the voices of those afflicted by illness in medieval texts, how women factor into the shaping of a medical canon, how medical writing intersects with religious belief and memorial practices governed by the Church, and how regimens of health benefit a population in the throes of an epidemic.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book delves into the realm of medical writing in England during the 100+ years following the advent of the "Great Mortality," a period marked by a severe medieval public health crisis. By examining the storytelling practices of poets, patients, and physicians, it sheds light on the interconnectedness between poetry and the healing arts. Through a comprehensive analysis, Salisbury offers valuable insights into diagnosing medieval texts as if they were physical bodies, enabling us to recover the voices of those afflicted by illness. She also explores how we interpret stories told by patients in narratives mediated by others, the role of women in shaping the medical canon, the intersections between medical writing and religious belief, and the ways in which health regimens benefited populations during epidemics.

The book explores the rich tapestry of medical writing in England during the 100+ years after the advent of the "Great Mortality," a period marked by a severe medieval public health crisis. It delves into the storytelling practices of poets, patients, and physicians, shedding light on the interconnectedness between poetry and the healing arts. Through a comprehensive analysis, the book offers valuable insights into diagnosing medieval texts as if they were physical bodies, enabling us to recover the voices of those afflicted by illness. It also explores how we interpret stories told by patients in narratives mediated by others, the role of women in shaping the medical canon, the intersections between medical writing and religious belief, and the ways in which health regimens benefited populations during epidemics.

Moreover, the book examines how medical writing intersected with religious belief and memorial practices governed by the Church, highlighting the complex interplay between science, religion, and culture in medieval society. It sheds light on the ways in which medical knowledge was disseminated and shared, as well as the challenges and controversies that arose during this period. By exploring the diverse perspectives and experiences of those involved in medical writing, the book provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex and multifaceted world of medieval medicine.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the field of medical history, offering new insights into the storytelling practices of poets, patients, and physicians in the midst of a medieval public health crisis. It demonstrates how literary narratives enable us to see a kinship between poetry and the healing arts, and how medical writing played a crucial role in shaping the understanding and practice of medicine in medieval England. By exploring the intersections between science, religion, and culture, the book provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex and multifaceted world of medieval medicine.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350249837