The Reproductive Unconscious in Late Medieval and Early Modern England

by Jennifer Wynne Hellwarth

Overview

Drawing together social and medical history and literary studies, The Reproductive Unconscious in Late Medieval and Early Modern England studies the social practices and metaphorical representations of childbirth in medieval and early modern texts and argues for the existence of a reproductive unconscious. Discussing midwifery treatises, obstetrical and gynecological manuals, and devotional texts written for or by women, the author illustrates the ways in which medieval and early modern men and women negotiated a conflict between the ideological and material need of the culture for them to procreate, and an ideological injunction that they remain virginal and non-procreative.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415941525
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	10/04/2002
Series:	Studies in Medieval History and Culture , #13
Pages:	156
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 “I wyl wright of women prevy sekenesse”; Chapter 2 Theologized Maternity in Julian of Norwich’s Book of Showings; Chapter 3 A Very Maternal Mysticism; Chapter 4 “with grievous groanes & deepe sighes”;