Book of Hours of Etienne Chevalier 162

Book of Hours of Etienne Chevalier 163

Book of Hours, French, 14th century. Brit. Mus. 176

Harl. MS. 4425, Brit. Mus. 177

Flemish Master, 15th century. Stephenson Clarke Collection 181

MS. Romance of Alexander, 14th century 183

Rhenish Master, C. 1420, Frankfort Hist. Mus. 185

Harl. MS. 4425, Brit. Mus. 186

INTRODUCTION

The recent researches of scholars and students have brought the study
of mediaeval times within the range of almost any one who cares to live
in imagination in the past. No part of this study has been more
advanced and made more informing to us than that which regards the
individual. This is specially true of womankind, of whom we have
learnt somewhat, in some instances from their own writings, and in
others from allusions to their work in those of contemporary and later
writers, and also, incidentally, from the vast storehouse of didactic
literature, which is so suggestive in itself, reflecting through
successive centuries, as it seems to do, the standard of conduct of
the large majority. But on this subject--a very large one, and only
partially explored--light can only be thrown gradually. For this there
are various reasons. One is that, until comparatively recent times,
the small details of everyday life which go so largely to make up a
woman's life, have generally been taken for granted by writers. Then
the few mediaeval historiographers and chroniclers were principally
engaged in recounting the deeds of kings and feats of arms. Then
again, although probably many MSS. of the time still lie undiscovered
in libraries, those that are known to us are scattered far and wide.
Furthermore, self-advertisement was not a mediaeval fashion. It is
perhaps difficult for us nowadays to understand a spirit of
self-effacement. Self-esteem, which may develop for either good or
ill, has perhaps always existed in the human breast, but certainly
since the time of the Renaissance, when it seemed to have its own
special revival, it has grown apace, and is to-day like unto the
Mustard Tree of Holy Writ. But it is not proposed to contrast this our
modern attitude with the impersonal one, if so it may be called, of
the Middle Ages, because, wh