Treason: Medieval and Early Modern Treachery, Betrayal and Shame

CFP FOR AN EDITED COLLECTION

Edited by Larissa Tracy, Longwood University

Treason had very specific definitions in the Middle Ages: betrayal of the lord/king or country. But treason manifested in multiple ways throughout the medieval and early modern periods: Rebellious lords, disloyal subjects, and unfaithful queens. Treason was adjudicated and punished differently in different periods and different communities; often the shame of treason lingered long after the immediate act. This volume seeks to investigate the nature of treason in medieval and early modern society in both practice and representation—its consequences, its lasting effects, its impression on societies and social standing. Articles dealing with treason, treachery, betrayal, or the shameful consequences of such betrayal in law, literature, art history, history, from across the span of the medieval period and into the early modern period are welcome, as are studies that deal with varying regions of medieval Europe. Interdisciplinary pieces are particularly welcome.

Please send abstracts of no more than 250 words, with a brief biographical blurb to Larissa Tracy: kattracy@comcast.net by Nov. 1, 2015.