Chaste Passions contains eighteen English virgin martyr legends, each of a different saint and each translated in its entirety into colloquial, modern English prose. Faithful in tone and meaning to the originals, Karen A. Winstead's lively translations allow contemporary readers to appreciate why virgin martyr legends thrived for hundreds of years. Winstead presents the tales in chronological order, tracing the effects of the composition and tastes of the audience on the development of the genre.
The virgin martyr, Winstead tells us, escapes the confining female stereotypes -- demure maiden or disruptive shrew -- prevalent in writings of the period. Because nearly all of the texts were written by men but addressed to women, they exhibit a fascinating interplay between male views of so-called women's literature and the demands of their intended audience.
Familiarity with this widely read genre is essential to a full understanding of medieval culture, and Chaste Passions is an excellent introduction to these often racy, sometimes comic, tales.
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Chaste Passions contains eighteen English virgin martyr legends, each of a different saint and each translated in its entirety into colloquial, modern English prose. Faithful in tone and meaning to the originals, Karen A. Winstead's lively translations allow contemporary readers to appreciate why virgin martyr legends thrived for hundreds of years. Winstead presents the tales in chronological order, tracing the effects of the composition and tastes of the audience on the development of the genre.
The virgin martyr, Winstead tells us, escapes the confining female stereotypes -- demure maiden or disruptive shrew -- prevalent in writings of the period. Because nearly all of the texts were written by men but addressed to women, they exhibit a fascinating interplay between male views of so-called women's literature and the demands of their intended audience.
Familiarity with this widely read genre is essential to a full understanding of medieval culture, and Chaste Passions is an excellent introduction to these often racy, sometimes comic, tales.
Imprint | Cornell University Press |
Country of origin | United States |
Release date | April 2000 |
Availability | Expected to ship within 12 - 17 working days |
First published | 2000 |
Authors | Karen A. Winstead |
Dimensions | 229 x 152 x 12mm (L x W x T) |
Format | Paperback - Trade / Trade |
Pages | 224 |
ISBN-13 | 978-0-8014-8557-2 |
Barcode | 9780801485572 |
Categories | |
LSN | 0-8014-8557-6 |