Deborah McGrady – författare

Traces contemporary and later reception of Joan of Arc, examining how cultural beliefs and conventions have shaped her story.Joan of Arc stands out as one of the most recognized historical figures of medieval Europe. Learned writings as well as popular imagination, from the Middle Ages to today, have celebrated her as an exceptional character and hailed her legacy. And yet, there is scant recognition of her enduring status as an icon.What is one to make of a young, female medieval peasant-turned-warrior-turned-heretic-turned-martyr who has repeatedly been drawn back from oblivion, revived, and made relevant time and again? Unravelling the mystery of this question requires revisiting contemporary and historical accounts, listening anew to Joan's "voice" as seen in her letters and trial documents, and inquiring into the lively debate her afterlife has generated in the arts, from paintings and sculptures to romance, theatre and cinema. To unearth this new story of Joan of Arc, this study focuses on her French legacy, where her continued cultural and aesthetic importance are most vibrant, and it brings this phenomenon into dialogue with modern discussions about gender and class, anachronism and memory, and metafiction, creative time, and the gaze.

Offering the first comprehensive study of Guillaume de Machaut’s vast corpus of text and music, the 18 essays in this collection explore the author’s engagement with the ethical, political, and aesthetic concerns of his time. Building on interdisciplinary interest in Machaut, this collection broadens discussion of his work by exploring overlapping interests in his poetry and music; addressing lesser-studied writings; offering fresh perspectives on lyric, authorial voice, and performance; and engaging more critically with his reception by medieval bookmakers, modern editors, and the music industry. The result is a promising map for future research in the field that will be of interest to students and specialists alike.