Women's Lives: Self-Representation, Reception and Appropriation in the Middle Ages

Women's Lives explores how women's lives and voices permeated medieval literature and culture, offering a different perspective on medieval culture and power. The reception and use of female figures have been influential in literary, political, and social writings, advocating for equality, agency, and authority. The volume includes essays on well-known and less-known medieval women, all related to the work of Elizabeth Petroff, a scholar of Medieval Women Mystics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: University of Wales Press

Women's Lives is a collection of essays that explore the profound impact of women on medieval literature and culture. The prevalence of women within the medieval canon presents a unique opportunity to examine a different realm of medieval culture and power that often goes unnoticed. The reception and interpretation of female figures from this period have had a significant influence on literary, political, and social writings, serving as models of positive transgression and making powerful arguments for equality, agency, and authority on behalf of the writers who employed them.

The volume includes essays on renowned medieval women such as Hildegard of Bingen and Teresa of Cartagena, as well as lesser-known figures such as Al-K?hina and Liang Hongyu. Each essay is closely connected to the work of Elizabeth Petroff, a scholar of Medieval Women Mystics who played a crucial role in recovering texts written by medieval women.

Through these essays, Women's Lives offers a comprehensive and multifaceted perspective on the lives and contributions of women in medieval society. It sheds light on the diverse roles and experiences of women, from religious figures and mystics to political leaders and artists, and highlights their significant impact on the development of medieval culture and thought.

In conclusion, Women's Lives is a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of the role of women in medieval literature and culture. It serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of women to history and society, and encourages us to continue exploring the rich tapestry of medieval women's lives and voices.

Weight: 546g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786838339