The Thirteenth-Century Animal Turn: Medieval and Twenty-First-Century Perspectives

Research output: Book/ReportBook

Abstract

The Thirteenth-Century Animal Turn: Medieval and Twenty-First-Century Perspectives examines a wide range of texts to argue in favour of a thirteenth-century animal turn which not only generated a heightened scholarly awareness of animals but also had major implications for society more generally. Using diverse primary sources, the book considers the role of Aristotle in shaping thirteenth-century perspectives on natural history; Pope Innocent III’s encouraging the use of animals in the theological and moral instruction of the laity; the increasing relevance of animals to the promotion and assertion of lay aristocratic identity; and the tension between violence and affection towards animals that pervaded the thirteenth century as it does the twenty-first. Analysing these many considerations, Nigel Harris also argues that the thirteenth century was an era in which traditional conceptions of the fundamental ‘anthropological difference’ between humans and animals was subjected to increasingly urgent questioning and challenge.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationCham
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
Number of pages131
ISBN (Electronic)9783030506612
ISBN (Print)9783030506605
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Aug 2020

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Thirteenth-Century Animal Turn: Medieval and Twenty-First-Century Perspectives'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this