Medieval Maidens: Young Women and Gender in England, 1270-1540

Description

The medieval landscape, as traditionally viewed through the eyes of scholars, was hardly populated by women - aside from the occasional dazzling queen or mistress, strong-willed abbess, or exotic mystic. This picture has been dramatically altered by the scholarship of the 1970s, 80s and 90s, as women have been restored to the medieval scene. However, to date, young unmarried women or "maidens" have attracted little academic attention. This study aims to fill that gap by examining the experiences and voices of young womanhood. The life-phase of "adolescence" was rather different for maidens than for young men, and, as such, merits study in its own right. At the same time a study of young womanhood provides insights into ideals of feminine gender roles and identities at different social levels. Young women were engaged in the process of acquiring the gendered selves required of adult women, but were themselves representative of a powerful ideal of femininity. This book should appeal to students interested in themes of women and gender, youth and the life-cycle, upbringing and sexuality in the medieval period.

Kim M. Phillips is Senior Lecturer in History at the University of Auckland -- .