Daughters of Artemis: The Huntress in the Middle Ages and Renaissance
30 colour illustrations
12 b/w illustrations
Pages: 240
Size: 23.4 x 15.6
13 digit ISBN: 9781843842026
Binding: Hardback
First published: 2009
Price: $90.00; £45.00.
Imprint: D. S. Brewer, Cambridge
Hunting for sport, food and raw materials was a universal activity in the Middle Ages. However, the medieval hunting manuals and treatises written by male authors, as well as narratives and romances, present hunting as the exclusive leisure prerogative of gently-born educated men. The presence and various roles of women, even those of the aristocracy and gentry, are ignored, as is any involvement of the commons. Here, using evidence drawn from both
contemporary documents and images, particularly from illuminated manuscripts, tapestries, paintings, wood carvings, engravings and prints, the author shows clearly that women from all ranks of society were actively engaged in hunting in a wider sense, from aristocratic ladies pursuing deer on horseback with hounds and shooting driven game, to peasant women netting birds, ferreting conies, poaching and distributing venison. Women are often depicted in illustrations alongside men, usually as their companions, assistants or significantly as learners; but they are also shown hunting or hawking alone, or with female companions.
Beautifully illustrated, this revealing study of a previously unexplored aspect of women's roles is an invaluable addition to our understanding of the social
dynamics of the medieval community. It is scholarly in the presentation and analysis of its art historical and textual evidence but very readable in its narrative.
Reviews
'This fine and scholarly book will be useful to anyone interested in hunting or in gender relationships and the role of women in the Middle Ages. Students of literature, too, will find it helpful.' John Cummins, Speculum
'[A] beautifully produced book...The main value of this volume lies in its abundant quarry of examples, ranging from manuscript illuminations and a
decorated bed head to prints, tapestries, and full-scale oil and tempera paintings. It is extremely useful to have the objects and action of such pictures elucidated at the literal level by a scholar expert in the history of hunting.... This is a wonderful topic.' Medium Aevum
'...this well-researched and elegantly written volume...sheds new light on a cultural activity which has been central to society for many centuries.' Graham Downing
'It contains much useful information and students of women's history would find it interesting and informative.' The Medieval Review
'A vital addition to any historical collection focusing on the roles of women in society.' Midwest Book Review
'A well-researched book that will appeal to a diverse audience.' Baily's Hunting Directory
30 colour illustrations
12 b/w illustrations
Pages: 240
Size: 23.4 x 15.6
13 digit ISBN: 9781843842026
Binding: Hardback
First published: 2009
Price: $90.00; £45.00.
Imprint: D. S. Brewer, Cambridge
Hunting for sport, food and raw materials was a universal activity in the Middle Ages. However, the medieval hunting manuals and treatises written by male authors, as well as narratives and romances, present hunting as the exclusive leisure prerogative of gently-born educated men. The presence and various roles of women, even those of the aristocracy and gentry, are ignored, as is any involvement of the commons. Here, using evidence drawn from both
contemporary documents and images, particularly from illuminated manuscripts, tapestries, paintings, wood carvings, engravings and prints, the author shows clearly that women from all ranks of society were actively engaged in hunting in a wider sense, from aristocratic ladies pursuing deer on horseback with hounds and shooting driven game, to peasant women netting birds, ferreting conies, poaching and distributing venison. Women are often depicted in illustrations alongside men, usually as their companions, assistants or significantly as learners; but they are also shown hunting or hawking alone, or with female companions.
Beautifully illustrated, this revealing study of a previously unexplored aspect of women's roles is an invaluable addition to our understanding of the social
dynamics of the medieval community. It is scholarly in the presentation and analysis of its art historical and textual evidence but very readable in its narrative.
Reviews
'This fine and scholarly book will be useful to anyone interested in hunting or in gender relationships and the role of women in the Middle Ages. Students of literature, too, will find it helpful.' John Cummins, Speculum
'[A] beautifully produced book...The main value of this volume lies in its abundant quarry of examples, ranging from manuscript illuminations and a
decorated bed head to prints, tapestries, and full-scale oil and tempera paintings. It is extremely useful to have the objects and action of such pictures elucidated at the literal level by a scholar expert in the history of hunting.... This is a wonderful topic.' Medium Aevum
'...this well-researched and elegantly written volume...sheds new light on a cultural activity which has been central to society for many centuries.' Graham Downing
'It contains much useful information and students of women's history would find it interesting and informative.' The Medieval Review
'A vital addition to any historical collection focusing on the roles of women in society.' Midwest Book Review
'A well-researched book that will appeal to a diverse audience.' Baily's Hunting Directory
Medieval Hunting
32 b/w illustrations
Pages: 216
Size: 23.4 x 15.613 digit ISBN: 9780752459493
Binding: Paperback
First published: 2003
This edition: 2011
Price: £12.99
The History Press, Stroud
Signed copies from the author: £8-00 free postage. First edition author signed hardback still available £12.00 free postage: see My Contact Details page
Hunting was a major economic and leisure activity throughout the later European Middle Ages, but while aristocratic practices have featured in studies of romantic and narrative literature, hunting in its wider sense – across the social spectrum and with attendant male and female roles – has largely been ignored by modern medieval historians. Richard Almond’s study brings vividly to life the universality and centrality of hunting to medieval societies, both as an economic necessity and as an expression of medieval humanity’s almost atavistic sense of oneness with nature. Medieval Hunting dispels some of the myths and misunderstandings surrounding hunting, including the persistent views that it was exclusively an aristocratic, male pursuit. Using a wide variety of contemporary textual and art historical evidence, Richard Almond shows that hunting, including fishing and poaching, was enjoyed by all classes, and by women as well as men.
Reviews
'Richard Almond's...classic study' Terry Jones
'...it is salutary to read a book that reveals hunting in medieval times to have been central to the lives of all classes, and enjoyed by all three estates and both sexes...sprinkled with interesting nuggets.' Saul David, Sunday Telegraph
'...brings to light the most overlooked hunters of the Middle Ages - women.' Medieval History
'Almond gives good consideration to hunting beyond aristocratic and courtly posturing.' The Times Literary Supplement
'...makes absorbing reading and reveals how much we have in common with our hunting forebears.' Shooting and Conservation
'...an absolutely engrossing and fascinating account...' The Field
32 b/w illustrations
Pages: 216
Size: 23.4 x 15.613 digit ISBN: 9780752459493
Binding: Paperback
First published: 2003
This edition: 2011
Price: £12.99
The History Press, Stroud
Signed copies from the author: £8-00 free postage. First edition author signed hardback still available £12.00 free postage: see My Contact Details page
Hunting was a major economic and leisure activity throughout the later European Middle Ages, but while aristocratic practices have featured in studies of romantic and narrative literature, hunting in its wider sense – across the social spectrum and with attendant male and female roles – has largely been ignored by modern medieval historians. Richard Almond’s study brings vividly to life the universality and centrality of hunting to medieval societies, both as an economic necessity and as an expression of medieval humanity’s almost atavistic sense of oneness with nature. Medieval Hunting dispels some of the myths and misunderstandings surrounding hunting, including the persistent views that it was exclusively an aristocratic, male pursuit. Using a wide variety of contemporary textual and art historical evidence, Richard Almond shows that hunting, including fishing and poaching, was enjoyed by all classes, and by women as well as men.
Reviews
'Richard Almond's...classic study' Terry Jones
'...it is salutary to read a book that reveals hunting in medieval times to have been central to the lives of all classes, and enjoyed by all three estates and both sexes...sprinkled with interesting nuggets.' Saul David, Sunday Telegraph
'...brings to light the most overlooked hunters of the Middle Ages - women.' Medieval History
'Almond gives good consideration to hunting beyond aristocratic and courtly posturing.' The Times Literary Supplement
'...makes absorbing reading and reveals how much we have in common with our hunting forebears.' Shooting and Conservation
'...an absolutely engrossing and fascinating account...' The Field
