http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/69770886

Women's roles in the Middle Ages

Information about women in the period from 500 to 1500 is in demand and has been a challenge for historians to uncover. Medievalist Bardsley has mined a wide range of primary sources, from noblewomen's writing, court rolls, chivalric literature, laws and legal documents, to archeology and artwork. This fresh survey provides readers with an understanding of how women high and low fared in terms of religion, work, family, law, culture, and politics and public life. Even though medieval women were divided by social class, religion, age, marital status, place and period, they were all subject to an overarching patriarchal structure and sometimes could transcend their inferior status. Numerous examples of these exceptional women and their words are included.--From publisher description.

Open All Close All