The Miracles of Mary in Twelfth-Century France - by Bruce L Venarde

About the Book

"This book translates the first five French collections of stories recounting miracles worked through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, all written in the second quarter of the twelfth century. These tales provide insight into the daily lives and religious practices of ordinary medieval people rarely found in other sources"--

Book Synopsis

Murder in a cathedral, horrific illnesses and deformities, narrow escapes from injury and death, a vengeful dragon, a wandering eyeball, a bawdy monk and other sinners redeemed--the accounts of miracles performed by the Virgin Mary gathered and translated in The Miracles of Mary in Twelfth-Century France provide vivid glimpses into medieval life and beliefs. Bruce L. Venarde provides fluent translations of the first five collections of Marian miracle narratives from France, written in the second quarter of the twelfth century and never before available in English.

The stories recorded in these collections--by Herman of Tournai; Hugh Farsit; Haimo of Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives; John, son of Peter; and Gautier of Compiègne--offer descriptions of travel, living conditions, medical knowledge, conflict between and among lay and religious authorities, and the burgeoning cult of the Virgin Mary, which had only recently become important in Western Europe. Including notes, tables, and maps that orient and illuminate the texts, The Miracles of Mary in Twelfth-Century France makes these riveting tales available to readers seeking a view into the medieval past.

About the Author

Bruce L. Venarde is an independent researcher whose interests include medieval European monasticism, gender, and religious practices. His other books include Women's Monasticism and Medieval Society.