Description
Book SynopsisNow published in paperback, this fully-illustrated book explores the concept of the monster in the Middle Ages, examining its philosophical and theological roots and analysing its symbolic function in medieval literature and art.
Trade ReviewThis fundamental study marks a milestone in the history of research on the monstrous in the Middle Ages and on Western ways of thinking. I can state without hesitation that Williams has produced a magnum opus on this subject, with a highly personal approach, providing an overview of all previous works on the monster and the philosophical, theological, aesthetic, and literary context. His vision is at once encyclopedic, critical, and completely fresh ... This is clearly the work of a researcher in full maturity. Its many qualities place it in the front rank.
Claude-Claire Kappler, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paris * Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paris.[translation] *
Table of Contents
- Part I
- Theory: the context of the monstrous
- The language of the monstrous
- Part II
- Taxonomy: the body monstrous
- Nature monstrous
- Monstrous concepts
- Part III
- Texts: three heroes ("Oedipus", "The Romance of Alexander", "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight")
- Three saints (Saint Denis, Saint Christopher, Saint Wilgeforte)
- Conclusion
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Index
