Rivalrous Masculinities

"In 1994, the groundbreaking volume Medieval Masculinities appeared in print. More than twenty years later, Rivalrous Masculinities showcases state-of-the-art work in medieval masculinity studies. Ann Marie Rasmussen needs to be commended for having assembled an impressive collection of essays." —Helmut Puff, University of Michigan

"The essays in this book together make it clearer than ever that gender is never monolithic. Beyond reminding us in sophisticated and illuminating ways of this basic insight, however, the studies included demonstrate not only the plurality of medieval and early modern masculinities but also, and more significantly, that at the center of this plurality is rivalry. Multiple ways of 'acting like a man' mean that individuals (both men and women) will compete for the power and status this behavior will accord them. Focusing on both imagined and inhabited worlds from a variety of traditions, this book is a must read for anyone thinking in any way about gender and the past." —Sara S. Poor, Princeton University

"This is a really sparkling collection of essays. Overall, the volume addresses the concept(s) of medieval masculinity in the round, with a range of innovative and unusual perspectives. It represents an important contribution both to gender studies and to medieval studies." —Annette M. Volfing, Oriel College, University of Oxford

"Taken together, the experts represented in this volume make a forceful case for the evolution and plurality of medieval masculinities, which were socially constructed, negotiated, and inherently competitive. This book is essential reading for students and scholars interested in multidisciplinary approaches to historical gender identity and culture." —Steven Bednarski, St. Jerome’s University, University of Waterloo