Women in Medieval Europe, 1200-1500

Women in Medieval Europe explores the key areas of female experience in the later medieval period, from peasant women to Queens. It considers the women of the later Middle Ages in the context of their social relationships during a time of changing opportunities and activities, so that by 1500 the world of work was becoming increasingly restricted to women. The chapters are arranged thematically to show the varied roles and lives of women in and out of the home, covering topics such as marriage, religion, family and work. For the second edition a new chapter draws together recent work on Jewish and Muslim women, as well as those from other ethnic groups, showing the wide ranging experiences of women from different backgrounds. Particular attention is paid to women at work in the towns, and specifically urban topics such as trade, crafts, healthcare and prostitution. The latest research on women, gender and masculinity has also been incorporated, along with updated further reading recommendations. This fully revised new edition is a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the topic, perfect for all those studying women in Europe in the later Middle Ages . Preface To The Second Edition -- Upbringing -- Marriage -- Women And Family -- The House And Household -- Women And Work In Rural Areas -- Townswomen And Work -- Ethnic Minorities : Jews, Muslims And Slaves -- Women And Power : Noblewomen And Queens -- Laywomen And The Arts -- Religious Life : Nuns And Nunneries -- Religious Life : Beguines, Penitents And Recluses -- Mystics And Saints -- Laywomen And Charity -- Lay Beliefs And Religious Practice -- Women, Heresy And Witchcraft. Jennifer Ward. First Edition Published 2002 By Pearson Education Limited--title Page Verso. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Cover Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents Preface Preface to the second edition Abbreviations Introduction 1 Upbringing 2 Marriage 3 Women and family 4 The house and household 5 Women and work in rural areas 6 Townswomen and work 7 Ethnic minorities: Jews, Muslims and slaves 8 Women and power: Noblewomen and queens 9 Laywomen and the arts 10 Religious life: Nuns and nunneries 11 Religious life: Beguines, penitents and recluses 12 Mystics and saints 13 Laywomen and charity 14 Lay beliefs and religious practice 15 Women, heresy and witchcraft Conclusion Further reading Index