Dr. Metzler examines the complex history of disability in the Middle Ages, exploring perceptions of physical, sensory, and intellectual differences. Her work also delves into how medieval cultures understood the natural world, their approaches to travel and exploration, and the development of knowledge. She investigates the evolution of knowledge economies and the interplay between the history of ideas and education. Metzler's scholarship offers a unique lens through which to understand historical concepts of heritage.
Combines modern and medieval approaches to intellectual disability, and engages with a very wide range of sources in order to fill a major gap in this relatively new field, and demonstrate that disability, illness and healthcare are embedded in daily life. -- .
Cultural Considerations of Physical Impairment
Focusing on the social history of disability during the Middle Ages, this book examines cultural discourses that shaped perceptions and experiences of disability before modern times. It utilizes a rich array of sources to illustrate how factors such as law, labor, age, and charitable practices influenced the lives of individuals with disabilities in medieval society. This exploration reveals the complexities and significance of disability within the historical context, offering a deeper understanding of its impact on social structures.
Thinking about Physical Impairment in the High Middle Ages, c.1100-c.1400
The book offers a comprehensive exploration of physical impairment and disability in medieval Europe, highlighting its historical significance. Irene Metzler provides a theoretical framework for understanding disability during this period, delving into key areas such as societal attitudes, legal implications, and the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities. This scholarly work is essential for historians and researchers interested in the complexities of disability in a pivotal era.