Ordering Women’s Lives

Julie Ann Smith

Contents: Introduction; The texts; Section i - Penitentials: History: Public penance; Private penance; Purposes of penance; The place of penitentials in women’s lives; Sexuality: Sexuality within marriage: Marriage by abduction; Serial monogamy; Kin marriage; Abstinence within marriage; Modes of intercourse; Adultery; Divorce; Sexuality outside marriage: Fornication; Rape; Sexual incest; Prostitution; Deviant sexuality; Sacred space; Clerical marriage and sexuality; The nunnery; Volition; Work and magic: Women’s work with non-magical associations; Healthcare; Contraception and abortion; Childcare; Magical and pagan practices; Healing; Contraception and abortion; Love magic; Food preparation; Textile work; Intentional evil magic; Funeral practices; Section II - Nunnery Rules: History: Eremetic and domestic asceticism; Augustine’s ’Rule for Nuns’; Early western monasticism; Benedict’s rule; Caesarius’ rule for nuns; Columbanian monasticism; Early monasticism in England; 8th-century Benedictine movement; 10th-century reform movements; Enclosure: Nunnery structures; The rules for enclosure; Work and abstinence: Abstinence; Detachment from the secular world; Relinquishment of status; Poverty; Avoidance of friendship; Silence; Simplicity of dress; Fasting and food; Work; Prayer; Reading; Domestic labour; Special officers; Abbess and prioress; Obedience; Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.