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Book Reviews of Memoirs of a Medieval Woman

Memoirs of a Medieval Woman
Memoirs of a Medieval Woman
Author: Louise Collis
ISBN-13: 9780060909925
ISBN-10: 0060909927
Publication Date: 2/15/1991
Pages: 288
Rating:
  • Currently 3.4/5 Stars.
 19

3.4 stars, based on 19 ratings
Publisher: Perennial
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

5 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed Memoirs of a Medieval Woman on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Far better than a translation of the original, Ms Collis gives us the flavor of the original writer without the pain of olde English, her story without the repetition and preaching, and gives us a window into the life & times of Margery Kempe.
reviewed Memoirs of a Medieval Woman on + 32 more book reviews
I truly enjoyed this incredible story of Margery Kempe, an English woman of the 1400s caught up in the religious fervor and devotion of that time. Her family had enough wealth for her take this trip, although it seems surprising that a female from this Medieval Period had sufficient freedom to make such an arduous pilgrimage without male family members. If you are interested in Medieval history this books provides many insights into the lives of the common people and their travels to the holy land.
reviewed Memoirs of a Medieval Woman on + 13 more book reviews
For someone who is interested in the mentality of of the times, this is a great insight into the mind of a pious woman, which wasn't an uncommon way of thinking at the time.
reviewed Memoirs of a Medieval Woman on + 1775 more book reviews
Mrs. Kempe was the daughter of a tradesman in Kingslynn (Norfolk), married to a tradesman there, and had the calling, gumption, and health to make the long voyage to Jerusalem. In the manner of others demonstrate piety, she dictated her history of this years-long pilgrimage. As she was a lay person, her story includes many commonplace notes from the days of Henry V.
The editor, Louise Collis is described as a 'part-time historian' but she weaves in explanations of the mileu seamlessly into the book. There are very few footnotes but it is quite easy to read if one is interested.
"Many saints have written books, whereas only one member of the medieval public has had the industry, self-confidence, and will-power to describe for us the everyday life and viscitudes of a mayor's extraordinary daughter."
Index, bibliography.
carlamo avatar reviewed Memoirs of a Medieval Woman on + 269 more book reviews
An interesting true story about a medieval woman who is so hooked on being religious that she doesn't realize how ridiculous she is.