New research into medieval women from the Anglo-Saxon to the late medieval period demonstrates their energy, defiance and wit.The phenomenon of medieval women's middle age is a stage in the lifecycle that has been frequently overlooked in preference for the examination of female youth and old age. The essays collected here, ranging from the Anglo-Saxon to the late medieval period, and drawing variously from literary studies, history, law, art and theology, address this lacuna. Taking a variety of critical approaches, the contributors consider medieval definitions, paradigms andexperiences of female middle age, analysing how the middle-aged woman perceived herself subjectively, as well as how she was perceived by others. They seek to challenge the received wisdom that in the middle ages, at forty, womenwere deemed "old" and, from that point onwards, their thoughts should be focused on preparing for death. On the contrary, this collection demonstrates their energy, defiance and wit. Sue Niebrzydowski is Lecturer in English, Bangor University, Wales. Contributors: Jane Geddes, Clare A. Lees, Carol M. Meale, Anneke B. Mulder-Bakker, Sue Niebrzydowski, Raluca L. Radulescu, Sara Elin Roberts, Corinne Saunders, Diane Watt.

Introduction: 'Becoming bene-straw': The Middle-aged Woman in the Middle Ages - Sue NiebrzydowskiThe Age of Discretion: Women at Forty and Beyond - Anneke B. Mulder-BakkerSeeking the Middle-Aged Woman in Medieval Wales - Sara Elin RobertsMiddle Age in Romance? Magic, Enchantment and Female Power - Corinne SaundersAge and Desire in the Old English Life of Mary of Egypt: A Queerer Time and Place? - Diane WattAge and Desire in the Old English Life of Mary of Egypt: A Queerer Time and Place? - Clare LeesThe St Albans Psalter: Sex, Desire and the Middle-aged Woman - Jane GeddesSpeaking Volumes: the Middle Aged Woman and the Book in Medieval England - Carol Meale'Late hir seye what sche wyl': Older Women's Speech and the Book of Margery Kempe - Sue NiebrzydowskiPreparing for Mature Years: the Case of Margaret of Anjou and her Books - Raluca RadulescuBibliography