'Cáin Lánamna', "The Law of Couples", an Old Irish text dated to c. 700, is arguably the most important source of information concerning women and the household economy in early Ireland. The text describes all the recognized marriages and unions, both legal and illegal, and provides information regarding the allocation of property in the event of a divorce. The text was heavily glossed over a period of several centuries and provides insights into changes in the Irish legal system. This book provides, for the first time, an English translation of the entire text and all the accompanying glosses and commentary. It also includes an introduction to early Irish society, linguistic and legal notes, and a glossary to the tract.
Author(s): Charlene M. Eska
Series: Medieval Law and Its Practice, 5
Publisher: Brill
Year: 2010
Language: English
Pages: 398
City: Leiden
Acknowledgements
Preface
Abbreviations
Grammatical Abbreviations
Irish Law Tracts Cited in this Volume
Introduction
Legal Introduction
The Structure of Early Irish Society
The Law of Marriage in Medieval Wales and Anglo-Saxon England
Manuscript Introduction
Relationship of the Sources
Date of the Text
Editorial Method
The Structure of 'Cáin Lánamna'
'Cáin Lánamna' (text and translation)
Appendices
Appendix 1. E, Oxford University, Bodleian Library, Rawlinson B.506, fols. 19b–19d
Appendix 2. F, Oxford University, Bodleian Library, Rawlinson B.506, fol. 42d
Appendix 3. G, Oxford University, Bodleian Library, Rawlinson B.506, fols. 55b–56d
Appendix 4. K, Trinity College, Dublin, 1337 (H.3.18), p. 434a
Appendix 5. T, Oxford University, Bodleian Library, Rawlinson B.506, fol. 22 a–b
Appendix 6. Additional Commentary
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
