Women in medieval England

"The history of medieval women has been transformed in recent years through the expansion of evidence and the application of innovative and provocative methodologies. The author draws on these research results to emphasize the resilience and achievements of medieval women, whilst recognizing the misogynistic constraints embedded in the structures of medieval society. An introduction explores the methodological problems presented by material sources for medieval women's history, as well as a full histiographical overview. The author then focuses on 1100-1500, with additional background material on the Anglo-Saxon period. She contrasts elements of continuity from the early-middle ages with changes emerging from the development of male-dominated political, legal and economic structures."--pub. desc.