‘A Verray Parfit Praktisour’: Essays Presented to Carole Rawcliffe ed. by Linda Clark and Elizabeth Danbury

Abstract

Reviewed by: ‘A Verray Parfit Praktisour’: Essays Presented to Carole Rawcliffe ed. by Linda Clark and Elizabeth Danbury Barbara Rouse Clark, Linda, and Elizabeth Danbury, eds, ‘A Verray Parfit Praktisour’: Essays Presented to Carole Rawcliffe, Woodbridge, The Boydell Press, 2017; hardback; pp. xvii, 206, b/w illustrations; R.R.P. US$78.00, £60.00; ISBN 9781783271801. Using Chaucer’s description of the ‘Doctour of Physic’ in the Canterbury Tales’ prologue as a ‘verray parfit praktisour’, celebrates Carole Rawcliffe’s expertise in medieval medicine, yet that is just one string to her bow. Nine research essays reflect her expansive research interests; tributes from past and present colleagues and students illustrate her professional journey and personality. For example, contributors mention her stylishness and devotion to her dogs; former students Islay Fay and Ellie Phillips mention the importance of acceptance by Carole’s dogs and say she ‘manages to look stylish and elegant even when dog-walking in vile weather’ (p. xxiii). Contributors also laud her work ethic, meticulous research, collegiate support, and dedication to mentoring and educating. The essays contribute to each author’s research field and reference Carole’s interests. Brian Ayers investigates medieval Coslany, a Norwich suburb near Carole’s home, combining documentary and archaeological evidence. In Norfolk, Jean Agnew documents the demise of William Paston (d. 1732), ‘a brief inglorious epilogue to the history of the Paston family’ (p. 153). Nicholas Vincent uses charters to reveal little-known queen, Isabella of Gloucester, cast off by King John and later siding with rebel barons in London. The organization of domestic defences and the expected contributions from various social classes is examined in detail by John Alban. Caroline Barron shepherds us through London to discover why, unlike other cities, no public clock supported the early documented use of clock-time. She settles on the 1350s’ clock in St Pancras parish church, near Cheapside, as transforming London timekeeping. Returning to medicine, Hannes Kleineke profiles London apothecary Lettice Oo, showing that the trade was open to women and that Lettice’s remedies were possibly supplied to Isabella of Valois. Christopher Bonfield examines dietary and health advice and views on the healing power of Christ. Conversely, Carole Hill focuses on preparing for the afterlife, investigating Norwich churches and funerary commemorations. Finally, Peregrine Horden reviews sixteenth-century reports of Ottoman hospitals to examine modern practitioners’ claims of medieval precedents for music therapy in medical treatment, an ‘exotic footnote’ to Carole’s discussions of hospital music (p. 183). The book concludes with a snapshot of Carole’s publications to 2016; she still publishes regularly on medieval medicine and sanitation. Her wide-ranging [End Page 263] interests complicate the editors’ task of producing a coherent set of essays; they represent a smorgasbord, not a themed menu. Nevertheless, I am inspired to further explore Carole’s publications and the research of several contributors. Barbara Rouse Massey University Copyright © 2020 Barbara Rouse