Literary Patronage In The Middle Ages

Published in 1966: The present study attempts in its fashion to supply a connected account of this somewhat neglected phase of medieval literary life, and to look carefully in earlier ages for the origins of medieval patronage. As one may suppose a patron might be approached and the modes in which his favour might be extended were exhausted at a very early period, so that patronage of letters cannot be said to show much development or progress.

The Cultural Patronage of Medieval Women is the first volume exclusively devoted to an examination of the significant role played by women as patrons in the evolution of medieval culture. The twelve essays in this volume look at women not simply as patrons of letters but also as patrons of the visual and decorative arts, of architecture, and of religious and educational foundations. Patronage as a means of empowerment for women is an issue that underlies many of the essays. Among the other topics discussed are the various forms patronage took, the obstacles to women's patronage, and the purposes behind patronage. Some women sought to further political and dynastic agendas; others were more concerned with religion and education; still others sought to provide positive role models for women. The amusement of their courts was also a consideration for female patrons. These essays also demonstrate that as patrons women were often innovators. They encouraged vernacular literature as well as the translation of historical works and of the Bible, frequently with commentary, into the vernacular. They led the way in sponsoring a variety of genres and encouraged some of the best-known and most influential writers of the Middle Ages. Moreover, they were at the forefront in fostering the new art of printing, which made books accessible to a larger number of people. Finally, the essays make clear that behind much patronage lay a concern for the betterment of women.

Elizabeth Salter's principal works and essays are collected here in one volume.

First Published in 1967. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.