Albrecht Classen Book order

Focusing on literary narratives from the tenth to the fifteenth centuries, the book delves into the critical perspectives of writers who challenged the ruling class. It uncovers a pervasive distrust of kings and authority figures during the Middle Ages, highlighting how these narratives served as a platform for social commentary and dissent against power.

While modernists often assert that globalism began around 1800, this volume provides compelling evidence to the contrary through comparative and transdisciplinary studies. It presents innovative perspectives on overlooked literary, philosophical, historical, and medical documents, revealing that texts, images, ideas, knowledge, and objects were already migrating globally in the pre-modern era, albeit at a different quantitative level than in modern times. Global connections were established and sustained over centuries through translations and trade. Archetypal motifs across various literatures demonstrate the shared experiences of pre-modern societies. Additionally, the volume uncovers concrete instances of global economic exchange, the importation of exotic medicines, and vigorous intellectual debates on religious matters. Literary evidence highlights how interactions with foreign cultures were often envisioned, desired, and sometimes feared. The pre-modern world was dynamic, driven by curiosity, economic interests, and political or military motives. Diplomats traversed continents, while artists, poets, and craftsmen engaged in extensive travel. Notably, figures like the Vikings and Arabs emerged as global players long before modern globalism, suggesting a need to reevaluate traditional views on pre-modern worldviews, economic conditions, and global literary exchange, particularly as illustrated by the fable genre.

Exploring the influence of secret agents and beings in medieval literature, this book delves into how poets incorporated the concept of the "secret" into their works. It highlights the ways in which these hidden elements shaped human experiences and narratives, revealing a rich tapestry of alternative dimensions that permeate medieval texts.

Focusing on the legend of Charlemagne, this comprehensive survey explores its significance and evolution within the medieval German-speaking world. It delves into how Charlemagne's narrative influenced cultural identity, literature, and historical perceptions during that era, providing insights into the interplay between myth and history. The book examines various interpretations and representations of the legendary figure, highlighting his enduring impact on German cultural heritage.

Exploring the theme of wisdom, this study delves into medieval texts, including fables, verse narratives, and didactic tales, highlighting their enduring significance. It reveals how these literary works offer valuable insights for contemporary readers seeking truth and meaning in life. The book emphasizes the relevance of medieval literature in today's quest for understanding, showcasing its profound statements that resonate across time.

A comparative study of medieval literature reveals shared fundamental ideas and concepts across the period. The concept of the trial serves as a crucial epistemological tool for protagonists, offering insights into the values and ideals prevalent in medieval society. This exploration deepens our understanding of the cultural and intellectual landscape of the time.

The book explores the institution of prostitution across Europe from the early Middle Ages to the sixteenth century, employing an interdisciplinary approach. It delves into various contexts, illustrating its significance for both higher and lower classes. By incorporating diverse sources, it reveals the complexities and societal implications of prostitution during this historical period.

Featuring a diverse collection of literary, religious, and philosophical texts, this anthology explores the themes of religious toleration and tolerance during the Middle Ages and early modern age. It highlights various perspectives and insights from the period, providing a rich context for understanding the evolution of these concepts in historical discourse. Readers can expect a thought-provoking examination of how these ideas were articulated and debated across different cultures and traditions.

Exploring the theme of the "forest," this study delves into both renowned and obscure works of medieval German literature. It intertwines modern ecocritical concepts with historical viewpoints, offering a unique lens on how forests were perceived and represented in the literary context of the time. Through this analysis, the book highlights the complex relationship between nature and culture in medieval narratives.

Jan Huizinga and Roger Caillois have already taught us to realize how important games and play have been for pre-modern civilization. Recent research has begun to acknowledge the fundamental importance of these aspects in cultural, religious, philosophical, and literary terms. This volume expands on the traditional approach still very much focused on the materiality of game (toys, cards, dice, falcons, dolls, etc.) and acknowledges that game constituted also a form of coming to terms with human existence in an unstable and volatile world determined by universal randomness and fortune. Whether considering blessings or horse fighting, falconry or card games, playing with dice or dolls, we can gain a much deeper understanding of medieval and early modern society when we consider how people pursued pleasure and how they structured their leisure time. The contributions examine a wide gamut of approaches to pleasure, considering health issues, eroticism, tournaments, playing music, reading and listening, drinking alcohol, gambling and throwing dice. This large issue was also relevant, of course, in non-Christian societies, and constitutes a critical concern both for the past and the present because we are all homines ludentes .