Framing medieval bodies

About this book

The body was a central symbol in medieval culture - discussed, treated and maltreated, represented and exposed in a variety of contexts and in a multiplicity of idioms. This book responds to the recent awareness amongst scholars of the importance of this subject and it is innovative in bringing to the analysis of the body a truly interdisciplinary approach, so overcoming the difficulties of mastering the topic from any single perspective or historical source. The contributors to this volume offer fresh perspectives on the ways in which bodies were framed and experienced in medieval culture. The chapters range across the cultural, historical, literary and archaeological dimensions to the subject, as well as focusing on diverse European regions. They also have many themes in common: recognition of historical specificity, an interest in modern theory and an awareness of the challenge which this theory poses to medieval studies. Framing medieval bodies is the first thorough study of the medieval body and its representations. The book will provide challenging new interpretations for researchers in and outside the medieval field.