Law, sex, and Christian society in medieval Europe

by James A. Brundage

A study of the relationships between theological norms, legal principles, and sexual practice.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Medieval History, Medieval, Womens, Anthropology, Feminism

704 pages, Hardcover

First published January 15, 1990

Reviews

[Christian Raab, OSB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of interesting historical data. At times I wondered if the full range of counter testimony was being considered. For example, it doesn’t seem like lots of attention is paid to liturgical evidence of a warmer Christian approach to sexuality in the Middle Ages. The first couple chapters are by the author’s admission, not his main expertise. The chapters dealing with Gratian and other medieval canonists and the development of medieval canon law are very informative.

[Tom Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

a grind but worth it - the long sad history of western religious hatred of women and by extension, sex with women - not that surprising in as much as it's something one sees every day in the news. the book's structure led to much repetition.

[Carson Gustavel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have tendency to giggle, even at books that are not meant to be comedies. This is perhaps the only textbook I have ever laughed out loud from.

[Klelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulous and enlightening. To be read along il decamerone by Boccaccio. Must is Pier Paolo Pasolini's homonymous movie as well- enthralling in its disgustingness.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magnum opus by Brundage.

This book presents a clearheaded and exhaustive view of western Christian theology from the early to the late Middle Ages. It's not a social history but rather a legal and theological discussion of the topics from pre-Christian days to the emergence of the Reformation. Brundage shows how sex interacted with law and theology and how evolved over the years. The conclusion involves a frank discussion of the impact of Medieval sexual thought on western Europe and the and US, and how the issue may play out for the foreseeable future.

Highly recommended for Medievalists and theology scholars.