Description
The emotional state of love, the physical act of sex, and the social institution of marriage were central issues of medieval life. Conor McCarthy brings together a wide array of writings as well as informative introductions and explanations, to give a vivd impression of how love, sex and marriage were discussed at the time. Included are extracts from literary and theological works, medical and legal writings, conduct books, chronicles and love letters. They range from well known texts such as the letters of Abelard and Heloise, Beowulf and the Canterbury Tales to less familiar sources such as church legislation or court case proceedings. The breadth of material shows the diverse and sometimes disparate approaches to love, sex and marriage in medieval culture and brilliantly illustrates contemporary attitudes and ideologies. Many of these texts are available for the first time in modern English translation, making this book an indispensable sourcebook for students and teachers of medieval history, literature and culture.
