Goodman of Paris

"The Goodman of Paris" is a remarkable 14th-century treatise that provides an intimate window into the domestic life and social expectations of medieval France. Written by an elderly Parisian bourgeois for his young, fifteen-year-old bride, the work serves as a comprehensive guide on how to manage a household and conduct oneself with virtue and grace. Through its pages, the author offers practical advice on everything from moral behavior and religious devotion to the nuances of gardening and the care of hawks and horses.

Beyond its instructional value, the work is celebrated for its extensive collection of medieval recipes and culinary insights, making it a cornerstone for understanding historical gastronomy. Its detail-oriented approach to household management includes tips on hiring servants, managing kitchen staff, and preparing elaborate feasts. As a primary source, "The Goodman of Paris" captures the daily rhythms, social hierarchies, and cultural values of the late Middle Ages with unparalleled clarity. This classic work remains an essential resource for historians, food enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the social history of Europe, offering a vivid portrait of a world governed by tradition and the pursuit of a well-ordered home.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.