The Early History of Greed: The Sin of Avarice in Early Medieval Thought and Literature (Cambridge Studies in Medieval Literature)
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Best for readers who...
Good fit if you want...
- You enjoy close readings of sermons, hagiography, and theological texts.
- You're interested in ethics, medieval intellectual history, or the moral language of money.
Maybe skip if...
- You want a broad economic or social history with lots of quantitative data.
- You prefer narrative-driven medieval history or popular anecdotes over textual analysis.
- You need the newest edition, freshest examples, or the most current framing.
Summary
Richard Newhauser traces the development of greed as a sin in early medieval theology, sermons, and literature, showing how moralists defined, debated, and depicted avarice across texts and contexts.
Edition on file: 2000 • Cambridge Univ Pr • 262 pages • ISBN 9780521385220.
Why this book now
Revisiting medieval attitudes toward wealth reveals foundations of enduring debates about money, morality, and social order that still resonate today.
Reader guide
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Reading commitment
Balanced Moderate time
At roughly 262 pages of academic prose, expect a focused but demanding read—suitable for several concentrated sessions rather than a quick browse.
What stands out here
This Cambridge volume foregrounds Newhauser's careful textual scholarship and interpretation of theological and literary sources on avarice.
Best way to approach it
Read slowly with attention to primary-text examples and footnotes; taking notes on key authors and arguments will clarify the book's intellectual thread.
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The likely reading experience leans toward context, explanation, and subject matter that rewards curiosity more than speed-reading. Net effect: a mid-length read that should balance momentum with detail.
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