Fosterage in Medieval Ireland: An Emotional History

by Thomas O'Donnell

Fosterage was a central feature of medieval Irish society, yet the widespread practice of sending children to another family to be cared for until they reached adulthood is a surprisingly neglected topic. Where it has been discussed, fosterage is usually conceptualised and treated as a purely legal institution. This work seeks to outline the emotional impact of growing up within another family. What emerges is a complex picture of deeply felt emotional...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9462989419
• ISBN13: 9789462989412
• Release Date: April 2020
• Publisher: Amsterdam University Press
• Length: 242 Pages