The Knight, the Lady, and the Priest:

What marriage meant in the daily lives of the nobles of the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth centuries. An extraordinarily rich book--a panoramic view of medieval marriage and the relations between men and women, full of arresting insights and human detail. . . . It is the work of a master historian at the peak of his powers....Examines the period from the 11th to the 13th century, during which the church appropriated marriage, changing the whole fabric of life in medieval Europe. . . .the dispute between the aristocracy of northern France and the Church in the 12th century over the rules of marriage. "An important book for anyone interested in the origins of contemporary sexual roles and mores".

The Knight, the Lady, and the Priest: The Making of Modern Marriage in Medieval France

After becoming popularized by the troubadours of southern France in the twelfth century, the social system of 'courtly love' soon spread. Evidence of the influence of courtly love in the culture and literature of most of western Europe spans centuries. This unabridged edition of "The Art of Courtly Love" codifies life at Queen Eleanor's court at Poitiers between 1170 and 1174 into 'one of those capital works which reflect the thought of a great epoch, which explain the secret of a civilization.' This translation of a work that may be viewed as didactic, mocking, or merely descriptive, preserves the attitudes and practices that were the foundation of a long and significant tradition in English literature. Paperback

The Medieval Art of Love:

Hearts and flowers, sentimental gifts and love poems were born in the medieval era, the age of chivalry. Here you can discover that courtly world through its exquisite paintings and illuminations, richly hued tapestries, and gilded jewels. The Medieval Art of Love is a delightful guide through the delicate expression of affection and passion that is the hallmark of the Middle Ages.

The Medieval Art of Love: Objects and Subjects of Desire

Spanning almost 500 years, from 1066 to 1485, the Middle Ages were times of extremes: rich in art, scholarship and adventure, and burdened with poverty, servitude, and plague. . This was the age of the Crusades and the pilgrimage; of King Arthur and Robin Hood; of Gothic cathedrals and the illuminated manuscript; of the chivalric code, the feudal system and the Black Death.

With meticulous research and an eye for a good story, the Laings have constructed an intricate tableau of life in the medieval world, using existing evidence of art and architecture to explore all spheres of life, from the dizzy heights of courtly love to the fields of the humble serf. With major sections on urban, rural, Church and court society, and including absorbing detail on medieval pastimes, science and superstition, art, attitudes to women and the more gruesome aspects of medical practice, this richly illustrated book brings to life the imagination, ambitions and everyday realities of the world which formed the foundations of modern western society. Hardcover version.

Paperback version of the above.

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Written by Heloise, & Peter Abelard. Abelard, a French theologian, tutored and seduced the niece of the cathedral-chapter's headmaster. When her father discovered their affair, he castrated Abelard. Heloise kept loving him even though she was sent to a nunnery. The book is a collection of letters describing the consequence of their affair, her pregnancy and their relationship afterwards. Fresh today and still relevant to modern readers.

Beginning with the Norman Conquest of England, ending on the eve of the rebellion of the Welsh against Edward I in 1282, this book provides an integrated history of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

The Twelfth and Thirteenth Centuries: 1066-C.1280

Copies available at the rare,secondhand and out-of-print page. For lovers--and lovers of romance--this lushly illustrated, sumptuous treasure illuminates the timeless stages of the most human experience, falling in love.

A new copy is not available from Barnes & Noble.com at this time. There are 32 used copies of this title available.

The Book of Courtly Love : The Passionate Code of the Troubadours

Beautiful, ambitious and powerful, both revered and reviled throughout history, Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the most controversial and colorful personalities of the Middle Ages. Worshipped by men and idealized in the songs of the troubadors, she was the sex symbol of her age. ... a generous and strong ruler, throwing off the constraints that shackled twelfth-century women. Written by Desmond Seward, who has written many excellent history books.

A new copy is not available from Barnes & Noble.com at this time. However, there are 76 used copies of this title available.

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