Naked Before God: Uncovering the Body in Anglo-Saxon England (Medieval European Studies III Series)

The legacy of Adam and Eve brought about the connection between the idea of shame and embarrassment and nakedness, although it could also be associated with freedom of expression, defiance and triumph. These ten essays explore concepts and instances of the naked form in Anglo-Saxon literature and culture, examining prose, poetry, legal and penitential texts, sculpture and other imagery. The wide-ranging scope of the book, and the different views expressed, reflect the lack of coherent ideolog…