What does the Medieval Animals series focus on?

The series explores the significance of animals in the Middle Ages, specifically focusing on smaller or overlooked creatures rather than traditional 'crowned' animals like lions.

What topics are covered in Introducing the Medieval Snail?

The book covers the representation of snails in material culture, medicine, gastronomy, bestiaries, sermons, poems, and art, including sculptures and painted ceilings.

Medieval Animals

Uncovering the hidden history of the most unlikely medieval creature.

Reading guide

This is the first volume in the Medieval Animals series.

The series begins by shifting the focus from 'crowned' animals to the insignificant, starting with a deep dive into the cultural and symbolic presence of the snail.

Description

The Medieval Animals book series challenges traditional historical perspectives by exploring the significance of overlooked creatures in the Middle Ages. Moving away from the typical focus on majestic beasts like lions and unicorns, this scholarly series provides a fresh point of view on how smaller animals shaped the cultural landscape of the period.

In the inaugural volume, Introducing the Medieval Snail, author Julia Pineau examines the snail's role across material culture, medicine, and gastronomy. Through an analysis of bestiaries, sermons, and Gothic marginalia, the series bridges the gap between ancient artistic motifs and modern cultural expressions, offering a comprehensive look at nature and ecology within history and criticism.

Books in this Series

Introducing the Medieval Snail

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