Includes bibliographical references (p. [227]-241) and index.

Machine generated contents note: Section I - Penitentials -- 1 History -- Public Penance -- Private Penance -- Purposes of Penance -- The Place of Penitentials in Women's Lives -- 2 Sexuality -- Sexuality within Marriage -- Marriage by Abduction -- Serial Monogamy -- Kin Marriage -- Abstinence within Marriage -- Modes of Intercourse -- Adultery -- Divorce -- Sexuality outside Marriage -- Fornication -- Rape -- Sexual Incest -- Prostitution -- Deviant Sexuality -- Sacred Space -- Clerical Marriage and Sexuality -- The Nunnery -- Volition -- 3 Work and Magic -- Women's Work with Non-Magical Associations -- Healthcare -- Contraception and Abortion -- Childcare -- Magical and Pagan Practices -- Healing -- Contraception and Abortion -- Love Magic -- Food Preparation -- Textile Work -- Intentional Evil Magic -- Funeral Practices -- Section II - Nunnery Rules -- 4 History -- Eremitic and Domestic Asceticism -- Augustine's 'Rule for Nuns' -- Early Western Monasticism -- Benedict's Rule -- Caesarius' Rule for Nuns -- Columbanian Monasticism -- Early Monasticism in England -- Eighth-century Benedictine Movement -- Tenth-century Reform Movements -- 5 Enclosure -- Nunnery Structures -- The Rules for Enclosure -- 6 Work and Abstinence -- Abstinence -- Detachment from the Secular World -- Relinquishment of Status -- Poverty -- Avoidance of Friendship -- Silence -- Simplicity of Dress -- Fasting and Food -- Work -- Prayer -- Reading -- Domestic Labour -- Special Officers -- Abbess and Prioress -- Obedience -- Conclusion -- Bibliography -- Index.