Ale, Beer, and Brewsters in England: Women's Work in a Changing World, 1300-1600 (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...here is a nearly perfect example of a monograph, with a manageable subject, clear exposition of goals and thesis, thorough and careful use of sources, and argument placed in its historical and historiographic contexts. Plus, it is interesting and enjoyable to read."--Journal of Women's History

"Bennett has written a wonderful book. Combining large questions and lively prose with an impressive archival base and an eclectic methodology, she takes on diverse tasks. The simplest is a variation on a classic social history--an examination of the experiences of one group (women) in one industry (brewing) in particular localities (Oxford and others)....Her reach also extends to one of the most imponderable tasks of all, to explain and account historically for the persistence of patriarchy....[This] is a brilliant and provocative book....Bennett has written a book the conceptual pertinence of which extends to all historians interested in gender and in power."--The Journal of Interdisciplinary History

"Bennett's book can be read on two levels. Certainly it documents the course of yet another dance in which women never lead, to borrow her metaphor, but it is also an excellent...account of the metamorphosis of a medieval craft into an early modern industry over the course of more than three centuries."--The Medieval Review

"Bennett's study is bold in its sweep, thoughtful in its analysis, and provocative in its argument. Its conclusions offer an important challenge to prevailing views of women's work, one that will reshape discussion of the subject for years to come."--Speculum: A Journal of Medieval Studies

"Bennett...fills an important gap in the history of women and the brewing industry by explaining how and why women lost primacy in brewing beer."--History: Reviews of New Books

"Richly documented and lucidly written....Should be required reading for labour and women's historians, as well as medievalists. Its clarity and anecdotal detail--to say nothing of the natural appeal of its subject matter--will also make it suitable for undergraduate instruction as well."--Labour/Le Travail

"There are issues in Bennett's book to be weighed by teachers of history: she is good at posing problems and asking questions. Her own engagement with the position of women today, and with her women students who ask questions about women's work, makes the book immediately of interest...Her clear articulation of her position as a feminist historian combined with her careful research make her arguments compelling. There is a message here for both feminist and medieval historians."--Journal of Social History, Carnegie-Mellon University

"This important, scholarly book makes a major contribution to the study of medieval women and to the period's social and economic history."--Albion

"This is a valuable work, not only because of its conclusions, but because of its tackling of the thorny problem of 'historicizing patriarchy.' Highly recommended."--Choice

"This lean, powerfully argued book merits attention both for its central theme and for its many insights into the development of brewing and the lives of those involved in the trade."--American Historical Review


"This is a valuable work, not only because of its conclusions, but because of its tackling of the thorny problem of 'historicizing patriarchy.' Highly recommended."--Choice
"This lean, powerfully argued book merits attention both for its central theme and for its many insights into the development of brewing and the lives of those involved in the trade."--American Historical Review
--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Review

"This is a valuable work, not only because of its conclusions, but because of its tackling of the thorny problem of 'historicizing patriarchy.' Highly recommended."--Choice
"This lean, powerfully argued book merits attention both for its central theme and for its many insights into the development of brewing and the lives of those involved in the trade."--American Historical Review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 280 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (November 7, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195073908
• ISBN-13: 978-0195073904
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,658,170 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chock full of information, June 30, 2001

By	Rat "marella13" (Florissant, MO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ale, Beer, and Brewsters in England: Women's Work in a Changing World (Paperback)

I've been researching beer & brewing and this book was a great look at the time when the business changed from a largely female run, household-based, business, to a guild-organized, male-dominated business. I had no idea how the Black Death contributed to this change. A fascinating book!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beer and skittles!, November 22, 2008

By	Frances S. Andrews (Sussex) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Ale, Beer, and Brewsters in England: Women's Work in a Changing World (Paperback)

This book answered all the questions I asked of it. As part of my on-going research into the lives of women in England in this period it was excellent.