Children in the Middle Ages: Fifth-Fifteenth Centuries (SHANNON FRENCH MEDIE)

Numerous historic sources survive from Late Antiquity through to the late medieval period concerning children, from letters and educational tracts to archaeological finds and artistic representations. This very readable account examines all aspects of childhood, including mothers, birth, education, disease and burial, often drawing on specific cases. The children studied include aristocratic children, working children or slaves, and abused children. The legal position of children in society, such as the rights of bastards or protection for child brides, is considered as is the role of the church in the education of children.