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

ISBN-13: 9781108439329 / Angielski / Miękka / 2020 / 235 str.

Lars Kjær

Opis

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.

Spis treści

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.