Lost Letters of Medieval Life

This book reveals the everyday correspondence of various social classes in early thirteenth-century England, highlighting the rich tapestry of medieval life in Lost Letters of Medieval Life.

Drawing from two medieval collections of form letters, Lost Letters of Medieval Life offers a fascinating glimpse into early thirteenth-century England. This collection showcases the everyday correspondence of individuals across various social classes, from humble peasants and shopkeepers to influential bishops and earls. Through these letters, readers can explore the daily lives and concerns of people who lived during this vibrant period in history.

The letters included in this volume cover a wide array of topics, reflecting the complexities of life in medieval England. Readers will encounter correspondence about politics, war, local fairs, legal matters, and personal relationships. The authors, Martha Carlin and David Crouch, have unearthed these valuable documents from formularies, which are collections of model letters used for teaching the art of letter-writing. This collection reveals not only the formal exchanges of the elite but also the more casual, everyday communications that have often been overlooked.

Lost Letters of Medieval Life presents these letters in their first printed edition, providing both the original Latin text and English translations. Each letter is accompanied by insightful essays that contextualize the correspondence within the broader historical landscape. This work not only enriches our understanding of medieval life but also highlights the importance of everyday voices that have shaped history, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the past.