According to medieval physicians, lovesickness was an illness of mind and body caused by sexual desire and the sight of beauty. The notorious agony of an unhappy lover was treated as an ailment closely related to melancholia and potentially fatal if not treated.
In Lovesickness in the Middle Ages, Mary F. Wack uses newly discovered texts and takes a fresh look at primary sources to offer the first comprehensive analysis of the forms and meanings of the lover's malady in medieval culture. She examines its importance in medieval literature and its role in the transformation of courtly love from literary convention to social practice. Drawing extensively from the Viaticum and its commentaries, studied for centuries in medical schools, Wack also addresses wider questions about the cultural construction of illness, the conflict between medicine and Church morality, the relations between lovesickness and gender, and the lover's malady as a form of behavior in late medieval society.
The second part of the book contains annotated editions and translations of six important texts on lovesickness—the Viaticum and four commentaries on it. Forty-six black-and-white illustrations provide a striking visual perspective on medieval love and medicine.
Lovesickness in the Middle Ages will interest literary scholars and students as well as historians of medicine, sexuality, psychology, and women's studies.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. This item is printed on demand. Seller Inventory # 9780812281422
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # ABLING22Oct1916240262237
Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # FrontCover081228142X
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. New. Seller Inventory # Wizard081228142X
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. New. Fast Shipping and good customer service. Seller Inventory # Holz_New_081228142X
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. New Copy. Customer Service Guaranteed. Seller Inventory # think081228142X
Book Description Condition: New. Buy with confidence! Book is in new, never-used condition. Seller Inventory # bk081228142Xxvz189zvxnew
Book Description Condition: New. New! This book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published. Seller Inventory # 353-081228142X-new
Book Description Condition: New. New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title! 1.57. Seller Inventory # Q-081228142X
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # V9780812281422