Handbook for William: a Carolingian woman's counsel for her son
One of the few surviving texts written by a woman Middle Ages, Dhuoda's Libermanualis was available in only two faulty Latin manuscripts until third, superior one discovered 1950s. This English translation Carol Neel, based on 1975 critical edition and French Pierre Rich, will bring work to wider audience. Handbook for William expresses maternal feelings, religious fervor, learning. In instructing her children how they might flourish God's eyes, as well humanity's, Dhuoda reveals authority Carolingian women aristocratic households. She dwells family relations, social order, connection between military responsibility, and, always, central place Christian devotion noble life. introduction Neel discusses sociopolitical, literary, theological background William.
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