In recent times postmodernism has influenced all areas of the humanistic disciplines, challenging our most fundamental assumptions about the meaning of historical evidence and our ability to read and interpret it. Medievalists have been notably present in these debates, bringing "thelinguistic turn" to medieval sources and renewing a traditional field with non-traditional subjects and approaches. This new book surveys those aspects of theory and its related new subject matters that have become part of the mainstream discipline of medieval history. The book is organized around three major themes: the self or recognizing people in premodern society; literary techniques for reading historicaltexts; and historicizing sexuality and gender. Within each section are essays on subjects such as the social self, uses of psychoanalysis, and sex and gender in medieval life. The text clearly articulates concepts, defines critical vocabulary and demonstrates how the theory is applied inpractice.

Nancy Partner's profile page

Nancy Partner is at McGill University.