Holy Feast and Holy Fast
Holy Feast and Holy Fast
Book Brief
464
Book • Nonfiction
Medieval Europe
•
Women`s Studies•
Gender & Feminism1987
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Holy Feast and Holy Fast, Caroline Walker Bynum explores the intimate relationship between medieval holy women and food, examining how food's religious significance intertwined with piety, sanctity, and gender roles. Through historical accounts, Bynum highlights miraculous phenomena like inedia and how women related to God via food, impacting their societal roles and perceived spiritual power. The book contains descriptions of eating disorders and self-deprivation.
Informative
Contemplative
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
866 ratings
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Review Roundup
Caroline Walker Bynum's Holy Feast and Holy Fast is widely praised for its groundbreaking exploration of medieval women's spirituality and ascetic practices. Scholars commend its thorough research and engaging prose. However, some criticize its dense theoretical framework and limited accessibility for general readers. Suitable for academia, it offers profound insights into religious history.
Who Should Read Holy Feast and Holy Fast?
Readers who relish Holy Feast and Holy Fast by Caroline Walker Bynum are likely fascinated by medieval studies, religious history, and gender studies. Similar titles that appeal to this audience include The Book of Margery Kempe and Food and Feast in Medieval England.
866 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Holy Feast and Holy Fast explores the cultural and religious significance of food and fasting among women in the late Middle Ages, highlighting how these practices were linked to expressions of piety and spiritual experience.
Caroline Walker Bynum's work in this book is often praised for its interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from religious studies, history, and gender studies to provide a more nuanced understanding of medieval women's spirituality.
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The book has been influential in shifting scholarly perspectives on the role of women in medieval religious practices, drawing attention to the complex ways in which fasting served as both a religious and political act.
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464
Book • Nonfiction
Medieval Europe
•
Women`s Studies•
Gender & Feminism1987
Adult
18+ years
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