Growing Old in the Middle Ages : 'Winter Clothes Us in Shadow and Pain'

The social realities of old age have undergone profound changes since the middle ages. This study shows, however, that the images, attitudes and expectations of old people have changed for less. Shulamith Shahar shows how the status and social participation of the elderly varied according to gender, social stratum, economic resources, position, level of functioning, and personality, as well as according to regional custom. The book offers a broad cultural history of old age in medieval western Europe. Shahar examines the images, attitudes and advocated norms used in relation to the elderly and looks at the elderly in various social strata: churchmen and nuns, rulers, small office holders and soldiers, town dwellers and peasants. A valuable insight into life and society in the Middle Ages, this will prove an invaluable addition to history reading lists. '... introducing a wide range of topics, data, and methodological approaches in order to offer a balanced picture... Shahar's volume is a good summary ... with useful notes and bibliography ... and those interested in the topic will find in Growing Old a readable introduction and a quick view of the many aspects of this rich topic.'Joel T. Rosenthal, Social History of Medicine'Growing Old in the Middle Ages draws a comprehensive picture of medieval ageing, describing how it was perceived by different groups in society, what help was given to the old and the growing concern with physiology.'History Today'There is much here of interest to social historians; information culled from unfamiliar sources, and some useful and challenging ideas.'Christopher Dyer, English Historical Review'A judicious combination of direct use of primary sources and existing secondary literature ... the first [book] to provide a well-informed overview.'Malcolm Barber, University of Reading'This book offers important information on the Middle Ages that has been lacking until now ... the author should be congratulated for a careful and elegant presentation of an important subject.'Joyce E. Salisbury, University of WisconsinGrowing Old in the Middle Ages draws a comprehensive picture of medieval old age, describing how it was perceived by different groups in society; what help was given to the ageing; the desire to increase longevity; the consolation offered to the elderly; and the growing concern with physiology. With the increased interest in old age as a subject for historical study, this timely overview is an invaluable contribution to the social history of the whole of medieval Europe. Now published for the first time in paperback, a new preface written by the author brings the context of the book right up to date. "Growing Old in the Middle Ages draws a comprehensive picture of medieval old age, describing how it was perceived by different groups in society; what help was given to the ageing; the desire to increase longevity; the consolation offered to the elderly; and the growing concern with physiology. With the increased interest in old age as a subject for historical study, this timely overview is an invaluable contribution to the social history of the whole of medieval Europe"--Publisher description Shulamith Shahar ; Translated From The Hebrew By Yael Lotan. Translated From The Hebrew. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. BOOK COVER 1 TITLE 4 COPYRIGHT 5 CONTENTS 10 Arts, Language and Literature