Longman Medieval and Renaissance Library
1 total work
This is part of a series of critical introductions to key literary and cultural topics from Old English to the late seventeenth century. Taking into account original research and content debate, the series is designed particularly to meet the needs of students, and will include studies of key authors, and works, genres, periods and contexts. The fabliau is one of the most entertaining genres in medieval literature. These comic and often extremely bawdy tales provide an essential context for Chaucer but they form an important body of writing in their own right, illuminating contemporary attitudes to gender and sexuality. John Hines's book provides the first major study of the genre for the student. Provides an essential context for understanding the Canterbury Tales, discussing five of the Tales in detail. A significant subject for students of medieval historical studies, and for students of women's and gender studies.