Description
Discover the fascinating world of the Middle Ages with 'The Axe and the Oath', authored by renowned medieval historian Robert Fossier. This enlightening trade paperback offers readers an immersive experience into daily life during medieval times, particularly for the ordinary people whose stories often go untold. Delve into a rich tapestry of themes including childhood, marriage, work, and spirituality, and uncover how medieval men and women navigated the complexities of life from birth to death. This essential read is perfect for history enthusiasts and anyone curious about how the struggles and triumphs of medieval humanity resonate with our own lives today. Fossier emphasizes that 'medieval man is us', making this book an engaging and relatable read. Explore crucial aspects of the era such as agriculture, community living, and the relationship with nature, along with the role of religion and cultural practices. With its accessible writing style, 'The Axe and the Oath' is ideal for both general readers and students alike. Free shipping is included with this item, and please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Note that once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. Don't miss the opportunity to enrich your understanding of medieval life with this thought-provoking work.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691154312
Format: Trade paperback (US)
Year: 2012
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Description:
In "The Axe and the Oath", one of the world's leading medieval historians presents a compelling picture of daily life in the Middle Ages as it was experienced by ordinary people. Writing for general readers, Robert Fossier vividly describes how these vulnerable people confronted life, from birth to death, including childhood, marriage, work, sex, food, illness, religion, and the natural world. While most histories of the period focus on the ideas and actions of the few who wielded power and stress how different medieval people were from us, Fossier concentrates on the other nine-tenths of humanity in the period and concludes that "medieval man is us". Drawing on a broad range of evidence, Fossier describes how medieval men and women encountered, coped with, and understood the basic material facts of their lives. We learn how people related to agriculture, animals, the weather, the forest, and the sea; how they used alcohol and drugs; and how they buried their dead. But "The Axe and the Oath" is about much more than simply the material demands of life.
We also learn how ordinary people experienced the social, cultural, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of medieval life, from memory and imagination to writing and the Church. The result is a sweeping new vision of the Middle Ages that will entertain and enlighten readers.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691154312
Format: Trade paperback (US)
Year: 2012
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Description:
In "The Axe and the Oath", one of the world's leading medieval historians presents a compelling picture of daily life in the Middle Ages as it was experienced by ordinary people. Writing for general readers, Robert Fossier vividly describes how these vulnerable people confronted life, from birth to death, including childhood, marriage, work, sex, food, illness, religion, and the natural world. While most histories of the period focus on the ideas and actions of the few who wielded power and stress how different medieval people were from us, Fossier concentrates on the other nine-tenths of humanity in the period and concludes that "medieval man is us". Drawing on a broad range of evidence, Fossier describes how medieval men and women encountered, coped with, and understood the basic material facts of their lives. We learn how people related to agriculture, animals, the weather, the forest, and the sea; how they used alcohol and drugs; and how they buried their dead. But "The Axe and the Oath" is about much more than simply the material demands of life.
We also learn how ordinary people experienced the social, cultural, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of medieval life, from memory and imagination to writing and the Church. The result is a sweeping new vision of the Middle Ages that will entertain and enlighten readers.