The Miracles of Mary in Twelfth-Century France

The Miracles of Mary in Twelfth-Century France

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. This book is an important contribution to medieval studies that is unlikely to be superseded. Bruce L. Venarde's translations convey their original Latinity while also being accessible, and his introduction and notes, reflecting a thorough knowledge of recent scholarship, provide important context for students and scholars. -- Constance Brittain Bouchard, author of Negotiation and Resistance These important texts, heretofore understudied, are clearly and cogently introduced by Venarde, whose graceful translations bring the stories alive for those interested in the history and social context of Christian saints and miracles in medieval Europe. -- Nancy Vine Durling, translator of Life of St. Alexis These important texts, heretofore understudied, are clearly and cogently introduced by Venarde, whose graceful translations bring the stories alive for those interested in the history and social context of Christian saints and miracles in medieval Europe. -- Nancy Vine Durling, translator of Life of St. Alexis 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.