The book explores the intricate relationship between early modern cultures and the cultivation of plants and books, emphasizing their historical interdependence. Through detailed analysis of sixteenth-century herbals, it provides a narrative that contextualizes the cultural practices of the time, revealing how plants and writing influenced each other. Knight highlights the complex interactions between materials and discourses, shedding light on a rarely examined connection in contemporary discussions.
Exploring the cultural significance of the color green, this book delves into early modern contexts such as optics, olfaction, horticulture, and herbal medicine. It uncovers a rich tapestry of meanings associated with green, revealing its diverse influences and the unique atmosphere it created during that era. Through metaphorical interpretations, the narrative highlights how green shaped perceptions and practices in various aspects of life, enriching our understanding of its historical impact.
In 16th- and 17th-century Britain, women engaged with books in distinctive ways, yet their reading practices and book ownership have been largely overlooked compared to men's. This collection of thirteen essays explores early modern British women's relationships with books through the lens of renowned scholars. Key questions addressed include the evidence of women's engagement with reading, how they utilized books for various personal and communal goals, and how new findings challenge traditional views on gender, knowledge, and sociability. The volume is structured into three parts: case studies of individual readers and their libraries, analyses of readership within interpretive communities, and new evidence—such as confiscated book lists and convent rules—along with innovative methodologies for research. The essays dismantle binaries between private and public spheres, as well as distinctions between reading and writing, and male and female literary production. This interdisciplinary collection offers fresh perspectives and significant contributions to the fields of early modern material culture, book history, women's literary history, library studies, and reading practices, making it a timely and cohesive resource for scholars.
