Women of the Twelfth Century: Eve and the Church - Couverture souple

Duby, Georges

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 0745619495 ISBN 13 : 9780745619491

Editeur : Polity Press, 1998

A propos du livre

Quatrième de couverture :

In Women of the Twelfth Century: Eve and the Church, GeorgesDuby concerns himself with the relationship between women and thechurch, examining the ways in which women were viewed from aChristian point of view. By the twelfth century, the Church hadbegun to take the role and expectations of women seriously, and theclerical writings discussed in this work address the particularissues that emerged from this development.

In the first chapter, "The Sins of Women", Duby concentrates on thesins deemed to be particular to women (amongst others these includesorcery, disobedience, and licentiousness) and focuses especiallyon the male fear of female sexuality and magic. The second chapteris based on twelfth–century commentaries on the chapters in Genesisdealing with Eve′s role in the fall from grace in the Garden ofEden. Interpreting these writings, and the earlier writings uponwhich they were based, Duby shows how they reflect the reasoningbehind the view held of women as unstable, curious, and frivolouscreatures. The third section is based on letters written by clericsto women of noble status and nuns. Here, while the charges ofinstability and frivolousness are once again levelled at women,their praise is also sung for their marital and motherly values.The final section concentrates solely on the most famous text ofthis period by Andreas Capellanus (De Amore), and sets itwithin the context of the supposed twelfth–century discovery oflove and the courtly love tradition.

As the third and last part of Duby′s three–volume study of thelives of French noblewomen of the twelfth century, this bookconfirms the author as one of the greatest historians of the MiddleAges. It will be of great interest to students and researchers ofmedieval history and women′s history, as well as anyone interestedin the historical relationship between women and the Church.

Revue de presse :

′It is difficult to think of any other historian who has beensurrounded by so much respect and esteem.′ Douglas Johnson, TheGuardian

′Elegantly written and elegantly translated, Duby′s book distilswhat can be found about the lives of six elite women from themeagre records of the twelfth century. It leads him to revise hisearlier opinions and see the recognition of the spirituality ofwomen in that century as leading Europe to rate the values of lovemore highly. And all this is done with his customary scholarshipand sensitivity.′ Professor Jack Goody, St John′s College,Cambridge

′Georges Duby was a grand master among medieval social historians,and this is true vintage: subtle, perceptive, penetrating,sympatheic, and – helped by Jean Birrell′s translation – highlyreadable. Women′s history is of special interest today, and thebook will provide for many a refreshing entry to a fascinatingworld.′ Professor Christopher Brooke, Gonville and CaiusCollege, Cambridge

′An illuminating insight into the experience of womanhood intwelfth–century Europe. There is much in Women of the TwelfthCentury to enjoy ... well–informed and thought–provoking ...this book has a lot to offer.′ History Today

′Fascinating insight ... thought–provoking and inspirational.′Journal of Gender Studies

′This study is Duby′s last work, written just before he died in1997, and it is his most personal and intimate testimony as ahistorian; he is in the foreground of his own narrative throughout.On that account it is a direct and touching book. As translated(with outstanding skill) by Jean Birrell, it is also veryreadable.′ Times Literary Supplement

À propos de cette édition

• Éditeur: Polity Press
• Date d'édition: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0745619495
• ISBN 13: 9780745619491
• Reliure: Broché
• Numéro d'édition: 3
• Nombre de pages: 128