Description
Book SynopsisSt. Birgitta of Sweden (d. 1373) is one of the most celebrated female visionaries and authors of the Middle Ages and a central figure in the history of late-medieval religion. An aristocratic widow, Birgitta left her native country in 1349 and settled in Rome, where she established herself as an outspoken critic of the Avignon Papacy and an advocate of spiritual and ecclesiastical reform. Birgitta founded a new monastic order, and her major work, The Heavenly Book of Revelations, circulated widely in a variety of monastic, reformist, and intellectual milieus following her death. This volume offers an introduction to the saint and the reception of her work written by experts from various disciplines. In addition to acquainting the reader with the state of the scholarship, the study also presents fresh interpretations and new perspectives on Birgitta and the sources for her life and writings. Contributors: Roger Andersson, Nirit Ben-Aryeh Debby, Unn Falkeid, Anna Fredriksson, Birgitta Fritz, Ann M. Hutchison, F. Thomas Luongo, Maria H. Oen, Anders Piltz, and Pavlína Rychterová.
Trade Review"In conclusion, this volume contributes essential knowledge about one of the most brilliant saints of the Middle Ages. St Birgitta's impact both in Sweden and internationally is presented in an excellent way. This volume will give English-speaking students important knowledge about St Birgitta and will provide researchers with an opportunity to develop the presented perspectives and conclusions." (Translated from Swedish original) Erik Bergman, Lund University, in Kyrkohistorisk årsskrift 2020, pp. 199-201
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements List of Illustrations List of Abbreviations Notes on Editions and Translations Notes on Contributors Timeline Introduction: Birgitta Birgersdotter and the Liber celestis revelacionum Maria H. Oen 1 God’s Words, or Birgitta’s? Birgitta of Sweden as Author F. Thomas Luongo 2 Birgitta and the Bible Anders Piltz 3 The Political Discourse of Birgitta of Sweden Unn Falkeid 4 Challenging and Championing St Birgitta’s Revelations at the Councils of Constance and Basel Anna Fredriksson 5 The History and Spiritual Life of Vadstena Abbey Birgitta Fritz 6 Birgitta and Her Revelations in the Sermons of the Vadstena Brothers Roger Andersson 7 The Iconography of Liber celestis revelacionum Maria H. Oen 8 Reshaping Birgitta of Sweden in Tuscan Art and Sermons Nirit Ben-Aryeh Debby 9 The Revelations of St Birgitta in the Holy Roman Empire Pavlína Rychterová 10 Birgitta and Late-Medieval English Spirituality Ann M. Hutchison Bibliography General Index
