Medieval Conduct Literature

Conduct literature is a term used to identify writings that address how one should ‘conduct’ oneself in social situations. In the medieval period conduct literature was essential reading for nearly all literate children and adolescents to educate them in the expected social behaviours for their culture, gender, and status. Using a comparative approach, this anthology pairs together pieces of male-directed and female-directed medieval conduct literature, many being translated into English for the first time, to present an illuminating picture of medieval gender norms, parenting, literary style, and pedagogy. Containing texts written in six vernacular languages, each section is also accompanied by textual notes, an introduction, and an English translation. A fascinating examination of a diverse range of regions and cultures, Medieval Conduct Literature is a remarkable window into medieval life, customs, behaviour, and social expectations.

A fascinating examination of a diverse range of regions and cultures, Medieval Conduct Literature is a remarkable window into medieval life, customs, behaviour, and social expectations.

• Imprint: University of Toronto Press
• Published: October 2009
• Pages: 360

• pdf: 9781442697614
• hardcover: 9780802098320

Mark D. Johnston is a professor and Chair of the Department of Modern Languages at DePaul University.

‘This is an excellent, well thought out anthology. It reminds us that in the premodern period moral education was part of the upbringing of both girls and boys from an early age, and that such instruction was believed to lay a foundation for ethical and wise conduct in adulthood. The collection opens up an entire area of cultural information that has gone relatively unnoticed, yielding important insights into the goals of medieval society.’

Barbara Weissberger, Department of Spanish and Portuguese, University of Minnesota