Introducing the Medieval Ass (Medieval Animals)

Kathryn L. Smithies

ISBN 10: 178683622X / ISBN 13: 9781786836229

Published by University of Wales Press, 2020

Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A copy that has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # rev2850428633

Synopsis:

Introducing the Medieval Ass presents a lucid, accessible, and comprehensive picture of the ass's enormous socio-economic and cultural significance in the Middle Ages and beyond. In the Middle Ages, the ass became synonymous with human idiocy, a comic figure representing foolish peasants, students too dull to learn, and their asinine teachers. This trope of foolishness was so prevalent that by the eighteenth century the word 'ass' had been replaced by 'donkey'. Economically, the medieval ass was a vital, utilitarian beast of burden, rather like today's ubiquitous white van; culturally, however, the medieval ass enjoyed a rich, paradoxical reputation. Its hard work was praised, but its obstinacy condemned. It exemplified the good Christian, humbly bearing Christ to Jerusalem, but also represented Sloth, a mortal sin. Its potent sexual reputation - one literary ass had sex with a woman - was simultaneously linked to sterility and, to this day, 'ass' and 'ars*' remain culturally-connected homophones.

About the Author: Kathryn Smithies is a medieval historian, and research and teaching associate in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Introducing the Medieval Ass (Medieval ...
Publisher: University of Wales Press
Publication Date: 2020
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: Very Good