The Senses in Medieval and Renaissance Europe

The history of the Senses is a rapidly expanding field of research which is attracting  increasing attention in medieval and renaissance scholarship. The past twenty years have witnessed a noticeable turn towards analysis of past sensory worlds as a gateway to a deeper comprehension of  mental landscapes and value systems. In Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance preoccupation with the human senses and with divine control over them is highly visible in a range of  narrative texts, scientific treatises, creative literature, as well as the visual arts and music. Sensory experiences were manifold. The clanging of bells, the odour of sanctity, the touch of healing, the taste of spices, eye-witness descriptions and ‘second sight’ all  formed part of the vivid tableau of the medieval and renaissance world. Drawing on the work of leading specialists and taking account of theoretical approaches to Cultural Studies, the series aims to uncover meaning and explore  interpretations of sensations. The subject area is  strongly inter-disciplinary. It has potential linkages with other innovative research concerns such as the study of the history of emotions, gesture and disability, and it makes a valuable contribution to the history of medicine. The proposal is linked to a  series of international conferences devoted to the theme of the five senses.