The Medieval Gift and the Classical Tradition - Ideals and the Performance of Generosity in Medieval England, 1100–1300

This interdisciplinary study explores how classical ideals of generosity influenced the writing and practice of gift giving in medieval Europe. Focusing on classical texts, such as those by Seneca the Younger and Cicero, Lars Kjaer reveals how historians have underestimated the influence of classical literature and philosophy on medieval culture.

List of contents

1. Introduction; 2. The gift in classical literature; 3. De Beneficiis in medieval contexts; 4. Writing generosity; 5. Sanctifying generosity; 6. Romancing generosity; 7. Performing generosity; Conclusion.

About the author

Lars Kjær is Senior Lecturer in Medieval History at the New College of the Humanities. His previous publications include, as co-editor, a special volume of the Journal of Medieval History entitled 'Feasts and Gifts of Food in Medieval Europe: Ritualised Constructions of Hierarchy, Identity and Community' (2011).

Summary

This interdisciplinary study explores how classical ideals of generosity influenced the writing and practice of gift giving in medieval Europe. Focusing on classical texts, such as those by Seneca the Younger and Cicero, Lars Kjær reveals how historians have underestimated the influence of classical literature and philosophy on medieval culture.

Product details

• Authors: Lars Kjaer, Kjaer Lars Kjaer
• Publisher: Cambridge Academic
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 31.08.2020
• EAN: 9781108439329
• ISBN: 978-1-108-43932-9
• Dimensions: 230 mm x 150 mm x 20 mm
• Weight: 360 g
• Illustrations: Worked examples or Exercises
• Series: Cambridge Studies in Medieval Life and Thought: Fourth Series; Cambridge Studies in Medieval
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History > Regional and national histories; Europe, European History, Sociology: customs & traditions, Social & cultural history, Medieval History, HISTORY / Europe / Great Britain / General, Social and cultural history, Cultural studies: customs and traditions, European history: medieval period, middle ages