Daily Life in a Medieval Monastery

(Hardback)

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Description

A study of life inside medieval monasteries that explores monastic spirituality, daily routines, contact with the outside world, and the historical impact of these foundational institutions on the Western world. How did the Western monastic tradition begin What was monastic life typically like for a monk or nun How was the institution of the monastery formative to Western culture from antiquity through the Middle Ages This book covers the entire span of monastic history in the late-ancient and medieval periods and provides an in-depth look at several monasteries across Europe. Each chapter introduces the reader to the surviving evidence for the houses studied, such as its monastic rules, plans, records of visitation, chronicles, and biographical accounts; and aims to give an "insider" viewnot only of monks' and nuns' daily activities, but what these dedicated individuals' values, ambitions, and aspirations might have been.

Reviews

Shepherd, who specializes in early medieval archaeology, has made use of recent archaeological finds as well as the usual primary sources. She spends time within the narrative discussing the importance of the findings of these excavations and how the materials foundincluding pottery, flora and fauna, and DNAgive us a new window into life during this time. This unique feature makes the work distinctive from other reference sources about the time period . . . a useful starting point for high school and undergraduate students working on research within these two areas. Recommended for most high school, academic, and public libraries. * Booklist *
This book is highly recommended for the study of medieval monasticism. * ARBA *

Author Bio

Sherri Olson, PhD, is associate professor of history and codirector of the medieval studies program at the University of Connecticut.