Forgetful of Their Sex

By Jane Tibbetts Schulenberg,

Book cover of Forgetful of Their Sex: Female Sanctity and Society, Ca. 500-1100

Book description

Despite religious claims of a spiritual egalitarianism in the heavenly kingdom, there was a definite tendency in the Middle Ages to organize the celestial realm according to the established customs, values, and hierarchy of earthly society. In this study of over 2500 female and male saints, Jane Schulenburg explores women's…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Forgetful of Their Sex as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This brilliant piece of scholarship examines thousands of early medieval saints to paint a picture of a particular form of life for medieval women that allowed them in some ways to transcend their gender – to “forget their sex”. Early medieval women could be recognized for their sanctity and social contributions through their commitment to virginity, but also as mothers, nuns, siblings, and friends. Schulenberg is particularly attentive to how gender operated in the saints’ lives and tells marvelous stories about real human beings.

From Miriam's list on medieval women’s history.

If you love Forgetful of Their Sex...

Ad

Book cover of Marriage and Fatherhood in the Nazi SS

Marriage and Fatherhood in the Nazi SS By Amy Carney,

When I was writing this book, several of my friends jokingly called it the Nazi baby book, with one insisting it would make a great title. Nazi Babies – admittedly, that is a catchy title, but that’s not exactly what my book is about. SS babies would be slightly more…

Want books like Forgetful of Their Sex?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Forgetful of Their Sex.

Browse books like Forgetful of Their Sex

Book cover of Medieval Women
Book cover of Daughters of the Reconquest: Women in Castilian Town Society, 1100-1300
Book cover of The Oldest Vocation: Christian Motherhood in the Medieval West

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,593

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Forgetful of Their Sex, you might also like...

Book cover of The Essence: A Guided Journey of Discovery through the Bible

The Essence By John Pasquet,

The Bible is the greatest mystery novel ever written. It begins in the Old Testament with seemingly random accounts of ancient people in far away places with strange customs. There’s the prophecy of a coming Hero who will conquer the villain and restore peace to the land. The mystery reaches…

Book cover of An Italian Feast: The Celebrated Provincial Cuisines of Italy from Como to Palermo

An Italian Feast By Clifford A. Wright,

An Italian Feast celebrates the cuisines of the Italian provinces from Como to Palermo. A culinary guide and book of ready reference meant to be the most comprehensive book on Italian cuisine, and it includes over 800 recipes from the 109 provinces of Italy's 20 regions.

An Italian Feast is…

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in the Middle Ages, the history of Christianity, and Europe?

The Middle Ages 432 books
Europe 959 books