Old Age in Late Medieval England by Joel T. Rosenthal
Focusing on "lived experience" in late medieval England, Rosenthal uses demographic and quantitative records, family histories, and biographical information to demonstrate that many people lived into their sixth, seventh, and occasionally eighth decades. Those who survived might well live to know their grandchildren. This view of a society composed of the aged as well as of the young and the middle aged is reinforced by an examination of peers, bishops, and members of parliament and urban office holders, for whom demographic and career-length information exists. Many individuals had active careers until near the end of their lives; the aged were neither rarities nor outcasts within their world. Late medieval society recognized the concept of retirement, of old age pensions, and of the welcome release from duty for those who had served over the decades.
This hardcover book is in very good condition with minor imperfections to the dust jacket. Pages in very good condition.
ISBN 10: 0812233557 / ISBN 13: 9780812233551
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press
Publication Date: 1996
