Richard Newhauser

The Sin of Avarice in Early Medieval Thought and Literature (Cambridge Studies in Medieval Literature)

The Early History of Greed

These essays examine the seven deadly sins as cultural constructions in the Middle Ages and beyond, focusing on the way concepts of the sins are used in medieval communities, the institution of the Church, and by secular artists and authors.

From Communities to Individuals

The Seven Deadly Sins

A Catalogue of Latin Texts with Material on the Vices and Virtues in Manuscripts in Hungary

The Vices and Culture in the Middle Ages

In the Garden of Evil

The history of avarice as the deadliest vice in western Europe has been said to begin in earnest only with the rise of capitalism or, earlier, the rise of a money economy. In this first full-length study of the early history of greed, Richard Newhauser shows that avaritia, the sin of greed for possessions, has a much longer history, and is more important for an understanding of the Middle Ages, than has previously been allowed. His examination of theological and literary texts composed between the first century CE and the tenth century reveals new significance in the portrayal of various kinds of greed, to the extent that by the early Middle Ages avarice was available to head the list of vices for authors engaged in the task of converting others from pagan materialism to Christian spirituality.

The Sin of Avarice in Early Medieval Thought and Literature

Richard G. Newhauser

Susan Janet Ridyard

A fresh consideration of the enduring tradition of the Seven Deadly Sins, showing its continuing post-medieval influence.

The Tradition of the Seven Deadly Sins

Sin in Medieval and Early Modern Culture

Richard Newhauser

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