Love, sex and marriage in the Middle Ages

"The emotional state of love, the physical act of sex, and the social institution of marriage were central issues of medieval life. Conor McCarthy brings together a wide array of writings as well as informative introductions and explanations, to give a vivid impression of how love, sex and marriage were discussed at the time." "Included are extracts from literary and theological works, medical and legal writings, conduct books, chronicles and letters. They range from well-known texts such as the letters of Abelard and Heloise, Beowulf, and the Canterbury Tales to less familiar sources such as Church legislation or court proceedings. the breadth of material shows the diverse and sometimes disparate approaches to love, sex and marriage in medieval culture and brilliantly illustrates contemporary attitudes and ideologies. This is the first accessible collection of such a wide range of material, some of which is available in Modern English for the first time." "Love, Sex and Marriage in the Middle Ages is an indispensable sourcebook for students and teachers of medieval history, literature and culture."--Jacket.