Clerical Households in Late Medieval Italy

In "Clerical Households in Late Medieval Italy," author Roisin Cossar delves into the intricate lives of clerics in the years following the Black Death. Published by Harvard University Press in 2017, this compelling hardback edition spans 240 pages and offers a thorough examination of the challenges faced by the clergy in reforming their domestic lives. Despite the Church's expectations for celibacy, Cossar reveals that clerical households often mirrored those of the laity, showcasing a blend of personal and professional responsibilities. The book explores the journey of priests from their youth, where they underwent apprenticeships, to their middle age, where fatherhood became a central aspect of their existence, and finally to old age, marked by reliance on family. This insightful work is essential for anyone interested in the intersection of family relationships and the Catholic Church's renewal efforts during a transformative period in Italy's history.