Love, Sex and Marriage in the Middle Ages A Sourcebook

Including many texts available for the first time in modern English translation, Conor McCarthy brings together a wide array of writings as well as informative introductions and explanations, to give a vivid impression of how love, sex and marriage were dealt with as central issues of medieval life.With extracts from literary and theological works, medical and legal writings, conduct books, chronicles and love letters, the writings 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 and makes this book an indispensable sourcebook for students and teachers of medieval history, literature and culture.McCarthy, Conor is the author of 'Love, Sex and Marriage in the Middle Ages A Sourcebook', published 2003 under ISBN 9780415307468 and ISBN 0415307465.