Seventeen previously published papers, here updated and revised, and one
hitherto unpublished esssay explore the medieval notion of the Seven
Deadly Sins and several aspects of medieval sermons. These scholarly
studies examine how the commonplace of seven "chief vices" was analyzed
in scholastic theology and used in preaching and in hearing confession.
The influence of one major Summa de vitiis on other works of its
kind is investigated in some detail. In the field of medieval preaching,
the author examines sermon collections, academic speech acts, sermons
for saints, and preachers' use of proverbs in French. Several works by
English Dominican authors, particularly Fishacre, Bromyard, Holcot, and
an ars praedicandi, are brought to light. The essays are based on
fresh investigation of medieval manuscripts and accompanied by critical
editions of the relevant texts.