Miller argues that one incarnation of monstrosity in the Middle Ages-the female body-exists in special relation to medieval conceptualizations of the monstrous. Because female corporeality is pervasive, proximate, and necessary, it illustrates the supreme allure and danger of the monster, thereby highlighting the powers and problems of teratology.

In this study, Miller argues that one incarnation of monstrosity in the Middle Ages-the female body-exists in special relation to medieval conceptualizations of the monstrous. Because female corporeality is pervasive, proximate, and necessary, it resists marginalization, and thus illustrates the allure and danger of the monster.

"This is a fine, stimulating book which constructs a subtle, complex argument not only about monsters, but the theorizing of men and women in the thirteenth and fourtteenth centuries."-- The Medieval Review"Makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the complex workings of medieval teratological discourse, its constructive and deconstructive capacities, and its role within the formation of medieval socioreligious material and textual identities."- Journal of British Studies