Verbal Medicines

Erscheinungsjahr 2024
ISBN: 978-1-009-42314-4
Verlag: Cambridge University Press

Buch, Englisch, 318 Seiten, Format (B × H): 157 mm x 235 mm, Gewicht: 613 g

Reihe: Studies in English Language

Religious texts played a central role in Early English, and this innovative book looks in particular at how medieval Christians used prayers and psalms in healing the sick. At first glance, the variety and multiplicity of utterances, prayers, exorcistic formulas, and other incantations found in a single charm may seem to be random and eclectic. However, this book shows that charms had distinct, logical linguistic characteristics, as well performative aspects that were shaped by their usage and cultural significance. Together, these qualities gave the texts a unique role in the early development of English, in particular its use in ritual and folklore. Arnovick identifies four forms of incantations and a full chapter is devoted to each form, arranged to reflect the lived experiences of medieval Christians, from their baptism in infancy, to daily prayer and attendance at Church celebrations, and to their Confession and anointing during grave illness.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Arnovick, Leslie K.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Preface; 1. Invoking baptism; 2. Psalm charms as aids against illness; 3. Invoking the name of Mary; 4. Invoking the visitation of the sick; 5. The multiplier effect; Theoretical implications.

Über Autor(innen)

Arnovick, Leslie K.
Leslie K. Arnovick is Professor Emerita of English Language and Literatures at the University of British Columbia. Her notable publications include The English Language, 3e (with Brinton, 2017), Written Reliquaries (2006) and Diachronic Pragmatics (1999).