Literature As Recreation in the Later Middle Ages Hardcover - 1982

Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1982 Book. Near Fine. Hardcover. First Edition. 8vo. 245 pp, preface, abbreviations, 1. Medieval Attitudes toward Literary Pleasure; 2. The Hygenic Justification; 3. The Recreational Justification; 4. Some Literature for Solace; 5. From Plague to Pleasure; 6. The Decameron and Its Early Critics; index of sources, index. First Edition, 1982. "Most previous critical works on medieval literary thought have centered on allegory, typology, and rhetoric and have paid little attention to medieval theories of literature as entertainment. This book studies non-didactic views of secular literature during the laer Middle Ags. Exploring two related medieval justifications of literary pleasure --- one finding hygienic or therateutic value in entertainment, and another stressing the psychological and ethical rewards of taking time out from work in order to refresh oneself." from the jacket flap. Not Price Clipped. Inked notes on title page and dedication quote page with two very brief underlinings in text, else, Pristine, no wear. Clean, tight and strong binding with no underlining, highlighting or marginalia. Light-green woven-cloth with black title plate and gilt lettering to spine..