Excerpt from The Babees' Book: Medieval Manners for the Young And so, young babies, my book is only for your instruction; wherefore I pray that no man reprehend it, but amend it where it is at fault, and judge it not, for your own sake. I seek no other reward but that it may please men and give you some ease in learn ing. Also, sweet children, if there be in it any word that ye ken not, Speer while ye may, and when ye know it, bear it in mind; and so by asking you may learn of wise men. Also, think not too strangely that my pen writes in this metre; for such verse is com mouly used, therefore take heed. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

The Babees' Book: Medieval Manners for the Young, serves as a fascinating window into the societal norms and educational ideologies of the Middle Ages, offering readers a broad spectrum of literary styles from didactic poems to courtesy books, all aimed at the instruction of the young. Under the meticulous editorship of Frederick James Furnivall, one of the foremost scholars of Middle English, this collection brings together an array of texts that illuminate the values and virtues expected of the medieval youth. Among its pages, standout pieces provide not just historical insight but also demonstrate the linguistic versatility and moral emphasis of the period, placing a spotlight on the fabric of medieval society and its legacy on modern manners and etiquette. The contributors, extending beyond Furnivall to include an array of authors both known and anonymous from the medieval era, reflect a wide range of geographical, social, and intellectual contexts. This diversity showcases not just the variability of didactic literature across Europe but also highlights significant cultural and historical shifts. The collection aligns with key literary and educational movements of the Middle Ages, offering a tapestry of perspectives on upbringing and moral education that speaks to the rich cultural milieu of the time. By bringing together such varied voices, Furnivall and his medieval counterparts enrich our understanding of medieval life, its literature, and the complex interplay between education and societal norms. Recommended for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of medieval history and literature, The Babees' Book offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the depth and diversity of medieval educational literature. This anthology serves not just as an academic resource but as a gateway to understanding the interconnectedness of literature, culture, and morality in shaping the youth of a bygone era. Through its pages, readers are invited to engage with the past in a dialogue that reveals the enduring relevance of medieval lessons on manners and moral education in today's world.

Excerpt from The Babees' Book: Medieval Manners for the Young; Done Into Modern English From Dr. Furnivall's Texts While we need not hold with the writer of the Little Cbildren': Little Book, that courtesy came down from heaven when Gabriel greeted the Virgin, and Mary and Elizabeth met, we must look for its origin some where and inasmuch as, in its medieval form at least, it is closely associated with the practices of chivalry, we may not unreasonably suppose it to have appeared first in France. And although most of the extant French treatises belong to the fourteenth or fifteenth centuries. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Frederick James Furnivall's 'The Babees' Book: Medieval Manners for the Young' is a fascinating insight into the social norms and etiquette of medieval times. Written in the 15th century, this book provides a unique glimpse into the behavior expected of the young in the Middle Ages, covering topics such as table manners, courtesy, and proper conduct in various social situations. Furnivall's work is written in a straightforward and didactic style, making it accessible to modern readers interested in medieval literature and history. The book also includes original Middle English texts with modern translations, enhancing its scholarly appeal. Furnivall's attention to detail and historical accuracy make this book a valuable resource for those studying medieval culture and society. Frederick James Furnivall, a respected scholar of medieval literature, was renowned for his dedication to preserving and editing medieval texts. His passion for the study of the Middle Ages shines through in 'The Babees' Book', as he meticulously curated and annotated this compilation of medieval manners. Furnivall's expertise in medieval literature and language is evident in his careful editing and translation of the original texts, making this book a reliable source for scholars and enthusiasts alike. I highly recommend 'The Babees' Book' to anyone interested in medieval history, literature, or social customs. Furnivall's meticulous research and scholarly approach make this book an essential read for those looking to deepen their knowledge of medieval manners and etiquette, providing a valuable window into the past and shedding light on the daily lives of young people in the Middle Ages.