Overview

The first comprehensive edition and translation of Old English writings on health and healing in more than 150 years. Unlike elsewhere in Europe, vernacular writings on health and healing had a major place in early medieval England. These texts-unique local remedies and translations of late antique Latin treatises-offer insights into the history of science and medicine, social history, scribal practices, and culture. Some cures resemble ones still used today; others are linguistically extravagant, prescribing ambitious healing practices. Alongside recipes for everyday ailments such as headaches are unparalleled procedures for preventing infant mortality, restoring lost cattle, warding off elf-shot, or remedying the effects of flying venom. Medical Writings from Early Medieval England presents the first comprehensive edition and translation from Old English of these works in more than 150 years. Volume I includes The Old English Herbal, Remedies from Animals, Lacnunga, the Peri Didaxeon, and a compendium of miscellaneous texts.

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9780674290822

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Reviews

Nothing short of a monumental feat…perhaps the greatest contribution of the volume, though, lies in its unwavering call to approach these texts with compassion and respect, working against generations of editors and translators who have all too frequently dismissed not only the scientific value of these writings but also their very humanity…the historical empathy modeled here is vital for our path forward in medieval studies. -- Lori Ann Garner * Speculum *

Author Information

John D. Niles is Professor Emeritus of English at the University of California, Berkeley, and Professor Emeritus of Humanities at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Maria A. D’Aronco is retired Professor of Germanic Philology at the University of Udine, Italy.

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