Death and dying in the Middle Ages
By Barbara I. Gusick
This comprehensive exploration invites readers to journey into the medieval understanding of life's final passage, revealing how our ancestors approached mortality with profound spiritual wisdom. Through eighteen scholarly contributions, this collection unveils the intricate tapestry of beliefs, practices, and artistic expressions that surrounded death in Western medieval societies.
The book examines how medieval communities organized themselves around the reality of death, from medical knowledge to communal support systems. It delves into the rich religious traditions and popular customs that provided comfort and meaning during times of loss. Readers will discover how literature and art of the period reflected deep philosophical and theological convictions about what lies beyond earthly existence.
For those seeking to understand humanity's eternal questions about mortality, this work offers valuable insights into how faith, community, and creativity helped medieval people navigate grief and find purpose in the face of death. The collection bridges multiple disciplines including cultural history, religion, folklore, psychology, literature, and art, making it accessible to both academic readers and anyone curious about how different cultures have approached life's greatest mystery.
This scholarly yet engaging volume provides a window into medieval spiritual practices and beliefs that continue to influence how we understand death and dying today.
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore History and criticism
- ✓ Explore Civilisation médiévale
- ✓ Explore Christianisme
- ✓ Understand death from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Art médiéval
- ✓ Explore Social history, medieval, 500-1500
- ✓ Explore Dood
- ✓ Explore Social history
Topics
Details
- Published
- 1999
- Publisher
- Peter Lang Publishing, Lang Publishing, Incorporated, Peter
- ISBN-13
- 9780820441276
- ISBN-10
- 0820441279
- Pages
- 515
- Language
- EN
