A Few Notes Regarding Upcoming Articles

I've spent a great deal of time in the last few weeks pondering my next research projects, and thought it appropriate to update my readers on what would be forthcoming on this site. As time passes, I am finding myself more and more drawn to the early modern period, and that will likely be the subject of a number of articles in the weeks to come.

I expect to deal with a number of "renaissance" topics in the next weeks. During my recent research on the German witch trials (covered in a long series of weekly articles recently), I came across several references to the so-called "wildmen" of Munster. This Anabaptist group took over the city of Munster, and were proponents of a particularly radical sort of Protestantism. They advocated polygamy, and believed that men spread knowledge of divinity to women through sexual intercourse. I am particularly interested in the role of women in this community. The Anabaptists of Munster came to a dreadfully bloody end, and I'm curious about the role women played in the final days of the community of the "wildmen" of Munster.

I'm also planning to explore the English renaissance and reformation, again focusing largely on the role of women. Future articles will include a discussion of female silence and its relation to chastity and obedience, the role of Elizabeth I as a religious reformer, the role of women in the newly formed Anglican church, women as Catholics in England, and the fascinating poetry of Aemilia Lanyer. Lanyer's poetry is a sort of religious defense of women, and my work on it will most likely stretch over several weeks in the coming months.

On a more personal note, I've been enjoying the smiles and laughter of my now eight week old daughter and am getting ready to celebrate her big sister's second birthday. Life around my home seems busier by the day. The semester has recently begun, and it's time for a return to academic work.

Thanks for reading!

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