Medieval conduct literature : an anthology of vernacular guides to behaviour for youths, with English translations

A fascinating examination of a diverse range of regions and cultures, __Medieval Conduct Literature__ is a remarkable window into medieval life, customs, behaviour, and social expectations. "Conduct literature is a term used to identify writings that address how one should 'conduct' oneself in social situations. In the medieval period conduct literature was essential reading for nearly all literate children and adolescents to educate them in the expected social behaviours for their culture, gender, and status. Using a comparative approach, this anthology pairs together pieces of male-directed and female-directed medieval conduct literature, many being translated into English for the first time, to present an illuminating picture of medieval gender norms, parenting, literary style, and pedagogy." "Containing texts written in six vernacular languages, each section is also accompanied by textual notes, an introduction, and an English translation. A fascinating examination of a diverse range of regions and cultures, Medieval Conduct Literature is a remarkable window into medieval life, customs, behaviour, and social expectations." --Résumé de l'éditeur

Conduct literature is a term used to identify writings that address how one should 'conduct' oneself in social situations. In the medieval period conduct literature was essential reading for nearly all literate children and adolescents to educate them in the expected social behaviours for their culture, gender, and status. Using a comparative approach, this anthology pairs together pieces of male-directed and female-directed medieval conduct literature, many being translated into English for the first time, to present an illuminating picture of medieval gender norms, parenting, literary style, and pedagogy. Containing texts written in six vernacular languages, each section is also accompanied by textual notes, an introduction, and an English translation. A fascinating examination of a diverse range of regions and cultures, Medieval Conduct Literature is a remarkable window into medieval life, customs, behaviour, and social expectations.

Contents 5 Acknowledgments 7 Introduction: Teach Your Children Well: Medieval Conduct Guides for Youths 9 1. The French Enseignemenz a Phelippe and Enseignement a Ysabel of Saint Louis 35 2. The Occitan Enssenhamen de l’escudier and Essenhamen de la donzela of Amanieu de Sescás 57 3. The German Winsbecke, Winsbeckin, and Winsbecke Parodies (Selections) 95 4. The Italian Reggimento e costumi di donna (selections) and Documenti d’amore (selections) of Francesco da Barberino 161 5. The Castilian Castigos del rey don Sancho (selections) and Castigos y dotrinas que un sabio dava a sus hijas 219 6. The English How the Good Wijf Taughte Hir Doughtir and How the Wise Man Taught His Sonne 319 Bibliography 339 Index 349