Against the Friars

Very early on the friars attracted vigorous support. But they were also continuously mocked and derided by those, who considered them hypocrites and deceitful

Against the Friars. 
Antifraternalism in Medieval France and England
By 

Tim Rayborn
McFarland Books 2014
Print ISBN: 978-0-7864-6831-7
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-4766-1914-9

ABSTRACT:

The friars represented a remarkable innovation in medieval religious life. Founded in the early 13th century, the Franciscans and Dominicans seemed a perfect solution to the Church’s troubles in confronting rapid changes in society. They attracted enthusiastic support, especially from the papacy, to which they answered directly. In their first 200 years, membership grew at an astonishing rate, and they became counsellors to princes and kings, receiving an endless stream of donations and gifts.

 Yet there were those who believed the adulation was misguided or even dangerous, and who saw in the friars’ actions only hypocrisy, deceit, greed and even signs of the end of the world. From the mid–13th century, writings appeared denouncing and mocking the friars and calling for their abolition. Their French and English opponents were among the most vocal. From harsh theological criticism and outrage at the Inquisition to vulgar tales and bathroom humor, this thoroughly documented work is suitable for the newcomer, as well as for readers who are familiar with the subject but might like to investigate specific topics in more detail.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• Preface
• Introduction
• Popular Religion, Heresy and Mendicancy
• The University of Paris and the Quarrels
• The Perils of the Last Times: The Writings of Guillaume de ­Saint-Amour
• Antichrist’s Boy: False Seeming, the Apocalypse and the Roman de la Rose
• Poetry and Song in 13th-Century France: Rutebeuf, the Trouveres and the Goliards
• Scandalous Fables and Vulgar Animals: Reynard, the Fabliaux and Fauvel
• England: The Turbulent 14th Century, and the Writings of Chaucer, Langland and Gower
• English Religious Criticism: Matthew Paris, Oxford University, Richard FitzRalph and John Wyclif
• Conclusion
• Appendix A: Art Bibliography and Resources
• Appendix B: Music Bibliography and Resources
• Chapter Notes
• Bibliography
• 
Index

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tim Rayborn is a medievalist with a Ph.D. from Leeds University. He is also a professional musician devoted to early music, with a specialty in medieval repertoire. He lives in Berkeley, California.