This timely study analyses the seventeenth-century revival of monasticism by English women who founded convents in France and the Low Countries. Examining the nuns' membership of both the English Catholic community and the continental Catholic Church, it argues that despite strict monastic enclosure and exile, they nevertheless engaged actively in the spiritual and political controversies of their day. The book will add much to our understanding of women's power in early modern Europe, and offer an insight into a previously ignored section of English society.

Autorentext

CLAIRE WALKER lectures in early modern European history at the University of Newcastle, Australia. She has published several articles on the post-Reformation English convents in leading journals and collections of essays.

Inhalt

Introduction Female Monasticism Revived: Foundations and Vocations The Monastic Family: Order and Disorder in the Cloister The Monastic Economy: Prayer and Manual Labour Beyond the Cloister: Patronage, Politics and Society Active in Contemplation: Spiritual Choices and Practices Conclusion