Affectionate Authorities

Discover the intriguing exploration of fatherhood in Philip David Grace's Affectionate Authorities, published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in 2015. This engaging hardback edition spans 196 pages and delves into the medieval mindset surrounding paternal authority. Through the lens of Bernardino of Siena's sermons, the book examines the seven 'fathers' to whom obedience was traditionally owed: God, one's natural father, godfather, confessor, benefactor, a government official, and any elderly man. Grace thoughtfully investigates why medieval Europeans felt the need for such a multitude of paternal figures and how this shaped their society. Ideal for readers interested in history, fatherhood, and the dynamics of authority, Affectionate Authorities offers a rich understanding of the cultural values of the past. Dive into this thought-provoking work and uncover the historical significance of paternal roles in medieval Europe.