Crime in Medieval Europe 1200-1550

In this ambitious survey of lawlessness and legal retribution in medieval Europe, Trevor Dean ranges widely across the continent and Britain. He uses court records to illuminate the lives of ordinary men and women, who often found themselves at the sharp end of law. Drawing on the proliferation of new sources now available on the subject, this is an original account of the creation, extension and aggravation of criminal law and its penalties, and the effects and responses they generated. Providing much-needed synthesis of recent research and scholarship Crime in Medieval Europe, 1200-1550 presents case studies to open up areas for discussion and debate, draws attention to changing attitudes to and definitions of crime and examines social relations context in which crimes were committed. Trevor Dean draws on real examples of ordinary men and women and provides a rare opportunity their voices to be heard. 18 black and white plates illustrate key issues and themes. For readerrs interested in Medieval history and crime history.

Trevor Dean is Professor of History at Roehampton University.