Title
Holy Feast And Holy Fast: The Religious Significance Of Food To Medieval Women (The New Historicism: Studies In Cultural Poetics
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In The Period Between 1200 And 1500 In Western Europe, A Number Of Religious Women Gained Widespread Veneration And Even Canonization As Saints For Their Extraordinary Devotion To The Christian Eucharist, Supernatural Multiplications Of Food And Drink, And Miracles Of Bodily Manipulation, Including Stigmata And Inedia (Living Without Eating). The Occurrence Of Such Phenomena Sheds Much Light On The Nature Of Medieval Society And Medieval Religion. It Also Forms A Chapter In The History Of Women.Previous Scholars Have Occasionally Noted The Various Phenomena In Isolation From Each Other And Have Sometimes Applied Modern Medical Or Psychological Theories To Them. Using Materials Based On Saints' Lives And The Religious And Mystical Writings Of Medieval Women And Men, Caroline Walker Bynum Uncovers The Pattern Lying Behind These Aspects Of Women'S Religiosity And Behind The Fascination Men And Women Felt For Such Miracles And Devotional Practices. She Argues That Food Lies At The Heart Of Much Of Women'S Piety. Women Renounced Ordinary Food Through Fasting In Order To Prepare For Receiving Extraordinary Food In The Eucharist. They Also Offered Themselves As Food In Miracles Of Feeding And Bodily Manipulation.Providing Both Functionalist And Phenomenological Explanations, Bynum Explores The Ways In Which Food Practices Enabled Women To Exert Control Within The Family And To Define Their Religious Vocations. She Also Describes What Women Meant By Seeing Their Own Bodies And God'S Body As Food And What Men Meant When They Too Associated Women With Food And Flesh. The Author'S Interpretation Of Women'S Piety Offers A New View Of The Nature Of Medieval Asceticism And, Drawing Upon Both Anthropology And Feminist Theory, She Illuminates The Distinctive Features Of Women'S Use Of Symbols. Rejecting Presentist Interpretations Of Women As Exploited Or Masochistic, She Shows The Power And Creativity Of Women'S Writing And Women'S Lives.
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- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: This book has four hundred ninety-nine pages. It provides an in-depth exploration of the religious significance of food to medieval women.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The book measures six inches in length, one point two six inches in width, and nine point zero two inches in height. These dimensions make it a suitable size for easy handling.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is published in paperback binding. This type of binding is lightweight and flexible, making it convenient for reading.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The author of this book is Caroline Walker Bynum. She is known for her scholarly work on medieval women and religion.
- Q: What topics does the book cover? A: The book examines themes such as women's piety, fasting, and the religious significance of food in medieval society. It combines historical analysis with feminist theory.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, it is highly suitable for academic study. The book is a part of 'The New Historicism: Studies in Cultural Poetics' series, making it relevant for research in cultural history.
- Q: How can I use this book for my research? A: You can use this book as a primary source for understanding medieval women's religious practices. It provides insights into the correlation between food and spirituality during that era.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for general readers? A: Yes, the book is appropriate for general readers interested in history and gender studies. It presents complex ideas in an accessible manner.
- Q: What reading level is this book aimed at? A: The book is aimed at a scholarly audience but can also be understood by interested general readers. It requires some familiarity with medieval studies.
- Q: How should I care for this paperback book? A: To care for this paperback book, store it in a cool, dry place and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Handle it gently to prevent wear and tear.
- Q: Is there a recommended way to clean the book? A: Yes, use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the cover and pages. Avoid using liquids that could damage the paper.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for a return or exchange. Most sellers have a return policy for damaged items.
- Q: Can I return the book if I'm not satisfied? A: Yes, you can typically return the book if you're not satisfied. Check the seller's return policy for specific guidelines.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginner readers of historical texts? A: Yes, this book is suitable for beginner readers, although some prior knowledge of medieval history may enhance understanding. It is well-structured and informative.
- Q: How does this book compare to other historical texts on women? A: This book offers a unique perspective by focusing specifically on the role of food in women's religious experiences, distinguishing it from more general historical texts.
- Q: What makes this book a valuable resource? A: The book is a valuable resource because it combines rigorous historical research with feminist analysis, offering new insights into medieval women's lives and spirituality.