Lady Godiva : A Literary History of the Legend

This book investigates who Lady Godiva was, how the story of her naked horseback ride through Coventry arose, and how the whole Godiva legend has evolved from the thirteenth century through to the present day. Traces the erotic myth of Lady Godiva back to its medieval origins. Based on scholarly research but written to be accessible to general readers. Combines history, literature, art and folklore. Focuses on the twin themes of voyeurism and medievalism. Contributes to our understanding of cultural history, medievalism and the history of sexuality. Posterity Remembers Lady Godiva For Her Naked Horseback Ride Through The City Of Coventry, But That Is Only Part Of Her Story. This Book Investigates Who Lady Godiva Really Was And Traces The Evolution Of The Godiva Legend From Its First Appearance In The Thirteenth Century Through To The Present Day. Two Recurring Themes To Emerge From The Many Retellings And Reinterpretations Of The Legend Are Voyeurism And Medievalism - The Projection Of Contemporary Desires Back Onto The Middle Ages. These Form Touchstones For Discussion In Each Chapter. The Book Proceeds In Chronological Order, Each Chapter Exploring An Aspect Of The Legend Which Carried Special Significance For The Period In Question. By Combining History, Literature, Art And Folklore, This Book Makes A Memorable Contribution To Our Understanding Of Cultural History, Medievalism, And The History Of Sexuality.--book Jacket. 1. Godgifu Of Mercia -- 2. Godiva Emerges -- 3. Godiva's Progress -- 4. Peeping Tom -- 5. Godiva Domesticated -- 6. Godiva Displayed. Daniel Donoghue. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [142]-154) And Index. Lady Godiva......Page 2 Contents......Page 8 Acknowledgments......Page 9 List of Illustrations......Page 11 List of Abbreviations......Page 12 Introduction......Page 16 1 Godgifu of Mercia......Page 22 2 Godiva Emerges......Page 41 3 Godiva’s Progress......Page 62 4 Peeping Tom......Page 84 6 Godiva Displayed......Page 118 Notes......Page 145 Bibliography......Page 157 Index......Page 170 Lady Godiva 2 Contents 8 Acknowledgments 9 List of Illustrations 11 List of Abbreviations 12 Introduction 16 1 Godgifu of Mercia 22 2 Godiva Emerges 41 3 Godiva’s Progress 62 4 Peeping Tom 84 5 Godiva Domesticated 118 6 Godiva Displayed 118 Notes 145 Bibliography 157 Index 170 Even though Lady Godiva's name enjoys world-wide recognition today, the biographical details of the medieval woman remain obscure.