"Cáin Lánamna": An Old Irish Tract on Marriage and Divorce Law

Description

'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. 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