HISTORY OF OLD AGE. FROM ANTIQUITY TO THE RENAISSANCE - GEORGES MINOIS

Discover a fascinating journey through the ages, tracing the changing perception of old age and older people in society. Georges Minois, a respected French historian, analyzes how different eras shaped attitudes towards old age, from ancient Greece to the Renaissance. It is an extraordinary story of how culture, politics and religion influenced the treatment of older people.

• In-depth analysis of historical attitudes towards old age
• Insightful look at the evolution of the role of older people in society
• Moving study of changing cultural norms and values
• Inspiring reflection on the contemporary approach to aging
• Rich source of knowledge for historians, sociologists and anyone interested in the topic
• Thought-provoking reading that challenges our stereotypes

Georges Minois, a French historian specializing in the history of mentalities, takes us on a journey through the centuries, analyzing how societies perceived old age. His research covers a wide range of topics, from the history of atheism to the history of laughter and loneliness. In "History of Old Age", Minois focuses on the evolution of attitudes towards older people, showing how their roles and importance have changed in different eras.

This book is not only a chronicle of historical events, but also a deep analysis of the cultural and social conditions that shaped the perception of old age. Minois examines how classical Greece, oriented towards beauty and strength, marginalized older people, and how the Middle Ages valued their physical fitness. In the Renaissance, on the other hand, advanced age gained importance in the context of political and ecclesiastical functions.

The author does not shy away from difficult topics such as criticism of older people and their marginalization. He shows how in every era old age was perceived as something ambiguous, balancing on the border of humanity. Minois analyzes these threads, trying to organize and understand the complexity of historical attitudes towards old age. His research leads to the conclusion that the ideal old age has always been perceived from the perspective of a model impossible to realize, and that only later societies began to adapt the model to the needs of real people.

Aletheia Publishing presents this book in an elegant paperback cover, with attention to editorial details. The 146x210 mm format makes reading comfortable, and the 458 pages filled with content provide a deep understanding of the topic. "History of Old Age" is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand how the perception of old age has changed over the centuries and what challenges we face in the context of an aging society.

This book is a continuation of the research of Jean-Pierre Bois, who analyzed the history of old age from Montaigne to the first pensions. Minois focuses on earlier eras, creating a comprehensive picture of the evolution of attitudes towards old age. His work has the character of an "arabesque", changing depending on the culture and historical period. Nevertheless, the author manages to establish certain regularities and show how the ideal old age was perceived in different contexts.