Title
Behaving like Fools: Voice, Gesture, and Laughter in Texts, Manuscripts, and Early Books (International Medieval Research, 17),Used
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The period from 1200 to 1600 was the golden age of fools. There is almost no Arthurian hero without a phase of madness, and almost no gothic church without mocking misericords, not to speak of the spread of the literature and the iconography of the fool around 1500. But can we read them appropriately? Is it possible to reconstruct the fascination that fools exerted on (almost) everyone's mind in medieval and early modern Europe? While modern theories give us the analytical tools to explore this subject, we are faced with the paradox that by striving to understand fools and foolishness we no longer accept their ways but impose rational categories on them. Together these essays propose one way out of this dilemma. This volume is not another attempt to define the fool or to find the common denominator that hides behind his many masks, but rather focuses on the qualities, acts, and gestures that signify a fool. By investigating the behaviour that made people laugh rather than the figure of the fool himself, we can begin to understand the proliferation of fools and foolish behaviour in texts and images.
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- Q: What is the page count of this book? A: This book contains three hundred one pages. It provides in-depth essays on the theme of fools in medieval literature.
- Q: What are the dimensions of 'Behaving like Fools'? A: The dimensions are six point two six inches in length, one inch in width, and nine point five inches in height.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is bound in hardcover. This ensures durability and a professional appearance on your bookshelf.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Lucy Perry. She explores the significance of fools in medieval and early modern literature.
- Q: What is the book's category? A: This book falls under the category of History. It specifically examines cultural aspects of fools during a historical period.
- Q: How do I read this book? A: You can read this book like any standard text. It is suitable for anyone interested in historical literature and cultural studies.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic research? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic research. It presents scholarly essays that analyze the theme of foolishness in literature.
- Q: Can beginners understand this book? A: Yes, beginners can understand this book. The essays are crafted to provide insights without requiring extensive prior knowledge.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: The book explores themes of madness, humor, and cultural perceptions of foolishness. It delves into both literary and iconographic representations.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store this book upright on a shelf or in a bookcase. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight to preserve its cover and pages.
- Q: Is there any special care needed for this hardcover book? A: No special care is needed beyond standard book care. Keep it clean and handle it gently to maintain its condition.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the seller for a return or exchange. Most sellers have policies for damaged goods.
- Q: Does this book include illustrations or images? A: Yes, the book includes illustrations related to the themes discussed. These visuals enhance the understanding of the text.
- Q: Is this book suitable for a general audience? A: Yes, this book is suitable for a general audience. It appeals to anyone interested in history, literature, and cultural studies.
- Q: What makes this book unique? A: This book is unique because it focuses on the behaviors and gestures of fools rather than defining them. It offers a fresh perspective on a historical topic.
- Q: Are there any specific historical periods covered? A: Yes, the book primarily covers the period from twelve hundred to sixteen hundred. This was a pivotal time for cultural expressions of foolishness.