Description
Book SynopsisAn account of the life and achievements of St Birgitta of Sweden, one of the most charismatic figures in the late medieval mystical tradition, founder of the Bridgettine order.St Birgitta of Sweden was one of the most charismatic figures in the late medieval mystical tradition. In Rome she succeeded in commanding prelates and popes, and throughout the courts of Europe she engaged in political secular intrigues; she married and produced eight children, yet became the only woman in the fourteenth century to be canonised; and in an age where new monastic foundations were proscribed, she founded an order of her own devising, primarily for women. This first modern biography presents an account of her extraordinary life and achievements, placing the saint in the context of the society from which she emerged, and showing how her public voice and reforming zealwere informed by a private spirituality at all stages of her life. Particular attention is given to her most lasting achievement, the monastic foundation which bears her name and has produced a network of communities throughout Europe, active to the present day. BRIDGET MORRIS is senior lecturer in Scandinavian studies at the University of Hull.
Trade ReviewShould do much to make this most impressive woman more accessible to English readers. * JOURNAL OF ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY *
Morris has skillfully sewn together the various strands and sources of the extraordinarily well-documented life of her fascinating subject into a new wide-ranging and indeed magisterial account. Inclusive and highly readable [the] biography does much to illuminate her remarkable subject. * MYSTICS QUARTERLY *
Recommended both to newcomers to Birgitta and to those seeking further information about her: readable, elegantly presented, and detailed, drawing on an extensive knowledge of medieval texts as well as a wide range of secondary sources. * SCANDINAVICA *
Impressive narrative biography. * YEAR'S WORK IN MODERN LANGUAGE STUDIES (SWEDISH) *
Morris has done her namesake proud in this ambitious nbut highly readable study. * SAGA-BOOK *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: between history and myth. Part 1 The Swedish roots: geography; society; the Church; the early-14th century; Birgitta's parentage - her date and place of birth. Part 2 Childhood, marriage and motherhood: childhood visions; marriage; Birgitta's views on marriage; Birgitta and Ulf; children; piety in marriage; life at court; Santiago de Compostela. Part 3 Widowhood at Alvastra: the calling vision; self-doubt and support; Cistercian milieu; Books I and II; France and England at war; the Russian crusades; Magnus's bequest to Birgitta; the Liber Questionum; departure from Sweden. Part 4 The Rome years: Milan; the state of Rome; early years; the Sermo Angelicus; Katarina Ulfsdotter; restoration of the papacy. Part 5 The last pilgimage: Alphonso of Jaen; predictions of the pilgrimage; Giovanna I of Naples; Cyprus; the vision of the Passion; the vision of the Nativity; death. Chapter 6 The making of the saint: preparations; the canonization, 1391; apologists and opponents. Chapter 7 The Birgittine legacy: approval of the Order; the Rule; Vadstena; the Order outside Sweden; the post-Reformation survival; St Birgitta's legacy - the active and contemplative life.
