Martyrs in the Making - by D Piroyansky (Paperback)

About the Book

This book explores the late medieval English cults that evolved around "political martyrs"--men who had been violently killed in political circumstances and were later venerated, though never canonized.

Book Synopsis

This book explores the late medieval English cults which evolved around 'political martyrs'. By examining these cults the richness of political culture is revealed, and insights offered into the ways in which belief, worship, social and civic identities, and political language and practice were continuously constructed and re-constructed.

Review Quotes

'Piroyansky makes good use of chronicles and hagiographies as well as prayers and poems but she also effectively utilises manuscript illuminations, paintings, sculpture and stained glass windows. In doing so, Piroyansky has provided the fullest account of the political martyrs and their cults. Some of her observations and arguments have important ramifications for understanding the process of canonisation and cult formation in late medieval Europe. This volume should be read by anyone interested not only in martyrdom and sanctity but in late medieval Christianity itself... This volume should be read by anyone interested not only in martyrdom and sanctity but in late medieval Christianity itself.'

- Thomas S. Freeman, Journal of Ecclesiastical History

About the Author

DANNA PIROYANSKY is a graduate of the University of London, UK (2005). She has published several articles in the field of late medieval English political culture, and teaches medieval history at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. She is now working on her second book.