Margery Kempe

and her world

By: A.E. Goodman

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Paperback | 25 July 2002 | Edition Number 1

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304 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
23.4 x 15.6 x 1.63

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The "Book of Margery Kempe", whose two parts were completed in King's Lynn (Norfolk) in 1463 and 1438, in part comprises autbiographical descriptions of the mystical imtimations of a lady born into a leading port's stately but troubled elite. These episodes are interlinked with equally dramatic accounts of mundane experiences, in Margery's home town, in many English regions, and as far afield as Brandenburg, Rome and Jerusalem. The heroine's determination to flout conventions and to marginalise herself leads to hair-raising escapades, related with graphic intensity worthy of a picaresque novel. The book has been much used to illustrate problems of status and marriage among medieval women: the figure of Margery has become something of a gender icon. The present study focuses on its content and themes in relation to their social, cultural and political settings. It highlights the text's value as an expression of urban mentalities, and as a reflection of pressing concerns in Lancastrian England - issues such as those of religious authority, commmunal harmony and national identity. It is argued that the feminised mode of devotion commended in the text represents a sophisticated pious amalgam promoted by a group of Lynn clergy in order to counter the attraction of Lolardy, and to stimulate a reformation which might redefine and reinvigorate traditional values.

Industry Reviews

'Goodman's book is for readers who want to know what "The Book of Margery Kempe "has to offer by way of social and political historical information.' 'Anyone who does not wish to work his or her way through the whole of Margery's confusing and effusive text will be grateful.' "Livia Visser-Fuchs, The Ricardian XVI, 2006" '"Margery Kempe and Her World "is not the same old Margery. It is far more creative, interesting, and sensible, and makes a valuable contribution to an increasingly overcrowded field.' 'Goodman succeeds both in offering new and plausible interpretations of Kempe's intriguing work...' '...an excellent introductory text. Students who read it will learn a great deal about important aspects of life in late medieval England.' "Raymond A. Powell, The Catholic Historical Review, April 2006"

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