Aristocratic life in medieval France : the romances of Jean Renart and Gerbert de Montreuil, 1190-1230 / John W. Baldwin.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Baldwin, John W.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Jean Renart, active 12th century-13th century--Political and social views.

Jean Renart.

Jean Renart, active 12th century-13th century.

Gerbert, de Montreuil, active 13th century.

Political and social views.

Gerbert, de Montreuil, active 13th century--Political and social views.

Gerbert.

Aristocracy (Social class)--France--History--To 1500.

Aristocracy (Social class).

Literature and society--France--History--To 1500.

Literature and society.

Aristocracy (Social class) in literature.

Romances--History and criticism.

Romances.

History.

France.

Physical Description:

xvii, 359 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Baltimore : Johns Hopkins University Press, 2000.

Summary:

Modern Historians have generally approached the study of medieval society through chronicles, charters, and other documents composed in Latin by members of the clergy. Although these records may be satisfactory for studying the affairs of ecclesiastics, kings, and high barons, they are inadequate for assessing the major preoccupations of the aristocracy--living extravagantly, fighting, making love, entertaining, eating and dressing ostentatiously, and, generally, earning the disapproval of the clergy. In Aristocratic Life in Medieval France, the eminent medieval scholar John Baldwin undertakes a study of this segment of society using, for the first time in nearly a century, the vernacular romances written exclusively for the amusement of aristocratic audiences.

Rather than attempting to encompass all of Middle Age Europe, this study selects two writers, Jean Renart and Gerbert de Montreuil, and their four romances. It focuses with depth and specificity on the discrete area of northern France during a precise period, 1190-1230. Since Jean and Gerbert framed their fictional stories with contemporary and realistic features that could be recognized by their audiences, their works provide a wealth of detail on aristocratic living. Baldwin successfully discerns the historical content in these romance narratives by employing such literary techniques as "reality effects" and "horizons of expectations."

After introducing the two authors and their romances, literary innovations, and professional identities, the book explores the audiences, situating them in the political context of the French monarchy and the German empire. Successive chapters investigate the major activities of fighting in tournaments; hosting generous feasts and offering lavish hospitality; loving women; relishing entertainments, table, and wardrobe; and worshiping God. A concluding chapter examines the reception of the romances by diverse audiences through time.

Contents:

1 Literary Craft: Jean Renart, Gerbert de Montreuil, and Their Romances 1

2 Addressees and Their Politics 31

3 Chivalric Prowess 68

4 The Economy of Romance: Largesse and Hospitality 98

5 Women and Love 122

6 Embellishments: Festivities, Entertainment, Food, and Clothing 162

7 Aristocratic Religion 194

8 Audiences 248

Short Titles 269.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [275]-349) and index.

ISBN:

0801861888

OCLC:

41165443