Love and Marriage in the Middle Ages:

Pre-eminent medieval scholar Georges Duby argues that the structure of sexual relationships took its cue from the family and from feudalism--both bastions of masculinity--as he reveals the role of women, what they represented, and what they were in the Middle Ages. Paperback

Love and Marriage in the Middle Ages

A beautifully illustrated, engrossing account of the lives of six outstanding medieval women, "Most Wise & Valiant Ladies" features biographies of
Hildegarde of Bingen, legendary abbess, scientist, and composer;
Eleanor of Aquitaine, queen, crusader, and patron of the arts;
Joan of Arc, visionary and warrior;
Christine de Pisan, influential writer on the role of women;
Margery Kempe, religious fanatic and pilgrim; and
Margaret Paston, a middle-class wife and mother. 115 illustrations, 45 in color. 160 pp.

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Most Wise and Valiant Ladies

The two famous Old French chronicles in this volume were composed by soldiers who took part in the Holy Wars. Villehardouin's "Conquest of Constantinople" is the first trustworthy and fully informed history of the Crusades. Distinguished by its simplicity and lucidity, it is an account of the Fourth Crusade.

Joinville's "Life of Saint Louis" was inspired by the author's close attachment to the pious king and provides a vivid picture of his times and the ways of life in the East. Paperback

Chronicles of the Crusades

Explores the roles played by women of various classes in medieval society, in the nobility, in the church, and in daily life and work.

Damsels Not in Distress: The Lives of Medieval Women

There is enough violence and intrigue to appeal to any reader; one wonders why Richard the Lionheart's life has not been made into a movie. The book should appeal to any reader, and its mastery will be obligatory for any serious student of the period... . A splendid book. In John Gillingham, Richard I has found his most able biographer. This is a tremendous book and a great read compellingly written.

Richard I

John Riddle uncovers the obscure history of contraception and abortifacients from ancient Egypt to the seventeenth century with forays into Victorian England--a topic that until now has evaded the pens of able historians. Riddle's thesis is, quite simply, that the ancient world did indeed possess effective (and safe) contraceptives and abortifacients. Discovers a wealth of ancient folk recipes that allowed women to control their reproduction. . . .Riddle speculates that with the onslaught of syphilis, women who understood effective herbal contraception may have withheld that information from their daughters for fear that sexual freedom would become a death warrant. . . . Demonstrates consummate mastery of the ancient and early modern medical record.

Contraception and Abortion from the Ancient World to the Renaissance

A detailed study of a small group of Middle English romances which concern themselves with the sin, repentence, and atonement of their heros.

The Sinful Knights: A Study of Middle English Penitential Romance

Aims to elucidate life as it was lived in the nunneries of northern France...the period from the eleventh to the thirteenth century. Brings to light real people and their actions. . .presented in beautiful prose entertainingly laced with vivid language.

Equal In Monastic Profession: Religious Women in Medieval France

Written in the thirteenth century, Gottfried's version of this legendary romance - in which Tristan and Isolde chance to drink a magic potion that causes them to fall in love - portrays Tristan in the round as an attractive and sophisticated pre-Renaissance man. While Gottfried adheres faithfully to the events as set down by Thomas, his chosen source, he is correct over questions of Chrisianity and religion, but no more. In fact his persona as narrator is oddly elusive and engaging. A virtuoso stylist, adept in irony and wit, he is subtle and almost unmedieval in putting across his own impressions of a love that transcends the bonds advocated by Church or society. Penguin Classic Paperback, 374pp

Tristan

A study of love potions and aphrodisiacs, and a survey of amatory mores through the ages. Written by Harry E. Wedeck, illustrated with photos.

A new copy is not available now. There are still FOURTEEN copies of this title available.