St Birgitta of Sweden - (Studies in Medieval Mysticism) by Bridget Morris (Hardcover)

About the Book

An 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.

Book Synopsis

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 zeal were 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. Dr BRIDGET MORRIS is senior lecturerin Scandinavian studies at the University of Hull.

Review Quotes

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"

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"

Should do much to make this most impressive woman more accessible to English readers.-- "JOURNAL OF ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY"