Nancy Bradley Warren Knihy

Examining Geoffrey Chaucer's works through a comparative lens, this book highlights his involvement in religious controversies during the Medieval and Early Modern Eras. It delves into Chaucer's Continental influences, addressing themes like female spirituality and Lollardy, while also exploring the engagement of religious figures, particularly nuns, with his writings. Additionally, it investigates the lesser-known concept of an early modern "Catholic Chaucer," contributing to a broader understanding of the religious and national identity formation in literature across four centuries.

The sheer range of Warren's stimulating, provocative discussion . . . is impressive. The richness of her sources, a number of which are examined here for the first time, will make her book an important port-of-call.-English Historical Review

Exploring the intersection of female spirituality and English religious cultures from 1350 to 1700, the book delves into the continuity and transformation of medieval spiritual practices into the early modern era. Highlighting figures such as Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe, it examines how individual divine encounters, particularly those shaped by gender, influenced broader socio-historical contexts. The author also analyzes the impact of Spanish women on English identity and the role of gender in textual representations, revealing the complexities of contested orthodoxies.

The book delves into the significant impact of women in the intertwined realms of religion and politics during the late medieval and early modern periods. Highlighting figures such as St. Colette of Corbie and Isabel of Castile, it examines how female saints, devout laywomen, and monastic women influenced major events like the papal schism and the English Reformation. Nancy Bradley Warren uncovers the political dimensions of their religious practices, showcasing their essential roles in shaping the sociopolitical landscape of their time.