Medieval Christianity in Practice

Description

Medieval Christianity in Practice provides readers with a sweeping look at the religious practices of the European Middle Ages. Comprising forty-two selections from primary source materials--each translated with an introduction and commentary by a specialist in the field--the collection illustrates the religious cycles, rituals, and experiences that gave meaning to medieval Christian individuals and communities. This volume of Princeton Readings in Religions assembles sources reflecting different genres, regions, and styles, including prayer books, chronicles, diaries, liturgical books, sermons, hagiography, and handbooks for the laity and clergy. The texts represent the practices through which Christians conducted their individual, family, and community lives, and explores such life-cycle events as birth, confirmation, marriage, sickness, death, and burial. The texts also document religious practices related to themes of work, parish life, and devotions, as well as power and authority. Enriched by expert analysis and suggestions for further reading, Medieval Christianity in Practice gives students and general readers alike the necessary background and foundations for an appreciation of the creativity and multiplicity of medieval Christian religious culture.

"Miri Rubin is professor of medieval and early modern history at Queen Mary, University of London. Her books include "Mother of God: A History of the Virgin Mary, The Hollow Crown: A History of Britain in the Late Middle Ages", and "Corpus Christi: The Eucharist in Late Medieval Culture".

One of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2010 "Editor Rubin and contributors offer a richly textured presentation of the practice of medieval Christianity from about 600 to 1500 CE. Each of the 42 sections comprises excerpts from medieval texts, selected, translated, and commented upon by specialists in the field."--Choice "[T]his volume lends itself to use in undergraduate courses that deal with medieval religious practice, including western civilization and medieval surveys, as well as religious studies courses. Graduate students also will gain insights into the range of sources that can be deployed for the investigation of religious practice in medieval Europe."--David Stewart Bachrach, H-Net Reviews "[This book] may be especially useful in graduate seminars or as an aid to graduate training where the emphasis on manuscript sources may enrich the experience of students... [I]n consideration of the fine group of contributors, it deserves serious consideration."--James M. Powell, Catholic Historical Review "Whether the reader is a long-term student of the Middle Ages or a novice in the field, he or she will find this a unique and informative book, one which stimulates the mind and the imagination with the complexity and richness of medieval religious practice."--Sarah Adams, Christianity and Literature "This book is a valuable collection of small studies. It is well-prepared and well-edited, designed for use in courses or seminars. It is full of anecdotes, rituals, and insights that are interesting in themselves and that cumulatively give a sense of the variety and richness of medieval Christian life."--Michael G. Witczak, Worship "A very useful scholarly resource."--International Review of Biblical Studies "The volume provides an excellent introduction to the wide variety of Western medieval religious practice."--Margaret Cormack, Church History: Studies in Christianity and Culture