Depicting the lives of the saints in an array of factual and fictional stories, The Golden Legend was perhaps the most widely read book, after the Bible, during the late Middle Ages. It was compiled around 1260 by Jacobus de Voragine, a scholarly friar and later archbishop of Genoa, whose purpose was to captivate, encourage, and edify the faithful, while preserving a vast store of information pertaining to the legends and traditions of the church. In this translation, the first in English of the complete text, William Granger Ryan captures the immediacy of this rich work, which offers an important guide for readers interested in medieval art and literature and, more generally, in popular religious culture. Arranged according to the order of saints' feast days, these fascinating stories are now combined into one volume. This edition also features an introduction by Eamon Duffy contextualizing the work.
Average Rating
Informations
About the author
Jacobus de Voragine
Author
Jacobus de Voragine, OP was an Italian chronicler and archbishop of Genoa. He was the author, or more accurately the compiler, of the Golden Legend, a collection of the legendary lives of the greater saints of the medieval church that was one of the most popular religious works of the Middle Ages.
The Golden Legend
by Jacobus de Voragine
Books Like The Golden Legend
If you're looking for books similar to The Golden Legend, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years
Diarmaid MacCulloch
A comprehensive history of Christianity that explores religious traditions and narratives across different historical periods. The book provides deep insights into religious development, similar to The Golden Legend's approach. MacCulloch offers a scholarly and engaging exploration of Christian history.
Saints and Sinners: A History of the Popes
Eamon Duffy
A comprehensive history of the papacy that explores the lives of religious leaders through compelling narratives. Like The Golden Legend, this book blends historical fact with engaging storytelling. Duffy provides insights into the complex world of religious leadership and institutional history.
The Cult of the Saints
Peter Brown
An exploration of saint veneration in early Christian and medieval societies. The book provides deep insights into the cultural significance of saints' lives, similar to The Golden Legend's approach. Brown offers a scholarly yet engaging examination of religious practices.
Butler's Lives of the Saints
Alban Butler
A comprehensive collection of saints' lives that provides detailed historical and spiritual accounts of Christian saints. Like The Golden Legend, this work offers rich narratives about religious figures and their spiritual significance. Butler's work is meticulously researched and provides deep insights into the lives of saints across different historical periods.
Medieval Christianity
Kevin Madigan
A scholarly examination of Christian life and practice during the Middle Ages. The book explores religious traditions, beliefs, and cultural contexts similar to The Golden Legend. Madigan provides a comprehensive overview of medieval religious experience.
Medieval Lives
Terry Jones
An exploration of medieval life through the stories of various historical figures. The book offers a vivid and engaging look at medieval society, similar to the narrative approach of The Golden Legend. It provides context and depth to understanding the cultural and religious landscape of the Middle Ages.
The Crusades: A History
Jonathan Riley-Smith
A comprehensive academic study of the Crusades that offers deep insights into medieval religious movements. The book provides historical context and explores individual stories of faith and conflict. It shares The Golden Legend's approach of examining religious narratives in detail.
The Age of Faith
Will Durant
Part of Durant's comprehensive world history series, this volume focuses on medieval religious and cultural developments. The book offers a scholarly yet accessible exploration of religious life during the Middle Ages. It provides context similar to The Golden Legend's approach to understanding religious traditions.
Medieval Religion
Christopher Brooke
A comprehensive study of religious life and practices in the Middle Ages. The book explores the cultural and spiritual dimensions of medieval Christianity. Like The Golden Legend, it provides rich narratives about religious experiences and traditions.
Holy Warriors
Jonathan Phillips
An exploration of the Crusades that brings historical religious figures to life through detailed narratives. The book provides context for medieval religious movements and individual stories of faith. Like The Golden Legend, it combines historical research with compelling storytelling.
No account connected — sign in to comment.