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  • Published: 27 August 2015
  • ISBN: 9780753550656
  • Imprint: Virgin Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 496
Categories:

The Private Lives of the Saints

Power, Passion and Politics in Anglo-Saxon England




Skulduggery, power struggles and politics. A fascinating re-examination of Anglo-Saxon England told through the secret lives of the saints.

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Femina
'Ramirez blasts a powerful spotlight into the so-called Dark Ages' - Dan Snow

Skulduggery, power struggles and politics, The Private Lives of the Saints offers an original and fascinating re-examination of life in Anglo-Saxon England. Taking them down from the clouds of their heavenly status, Sunday Times bestselling author and renowned Oxford historian Dr Janina Ramirez explores the real lives of the legendary, seminal saints.

This landmark book provides a unique and captivating new lens through which to explore the rich history of the Dark Ages.

  • Published: 27 August 2015
  • ISBN: 9780753550656
  • Imprint: Virgin Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 496
Categories:

About the author

Janina Ramirez

Professor Janina Ramirez is a Sunday Times bestselling author, Oxford lecturer, BBC broadcaster and researcher. She is Director of Studies for History of Art at Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, and Visiting Professor in Medieval Studies at the University of Lincoln. She has published widely on medieval history, art and literature, has written both fiction and non-fiction for adults and younger readers, and has taught and researched across a broad chronological sweep, covering everything from the sculptures of antiquity to post-modern architecture. She has also written and presented documentaries across the world for over 15 years. She is Lifelong President of Gloucester History Festival, and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, Royal Society of Arts, Universities of York and Gloucestershire and City Lit. Her book Femina was an instant Sunday Times bestseller.

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Praise for The Private Lives of the Saints

Those who were recast as saints achieved a superhuman status, their real lives often obscured by hagiographies rich with legends of miracle-working from beyond the grave. Janina Ramirez's book portrays them historically as living, breathing personalities within the world they knew, the places we have inherited. Her enthusiasm and instinct for relevance should welcome a broad new audience to medieval Church history.

Jonathan Foyle

What a wonderful book this is. Like the interlace stonework on an Anglo-Saxon cross, Janina Ramirez's themes are interwoven with a consummate skill.

Tom Holland

Ramirez blasts a powerful spotlight into the so-called Dark Ages and reveals a vibrant world, awash with colour and character.

Dan Snow

A wonderful book

Simon Schama

Entertaining ... carefully composed

Observer

A wonderful book

Simon Schama

Entertaining ... carefully composed

Observer

Ramirez blasts a powerful spotlight into the so-called Dark Ages and reveals a vibrant world, awash with colour and character.

Dan Snow

Those who were recast as saints achieved a superhuman status, their real lives often obscured by hagiographies rich with legends of miracle-working from beyond the grave. Janina Ramirez's book portrays them historically as living, breathing personalities within the world they knew, the places we have inherited. Her enthusiasm and instinct for relevance should welcome a broad new audience to medieval Church history.

Jonathan Foyle

What a wonderful book this is. Like the interlace stonework on an Anglo-Saxon cross, Janina Ramirez's themes are interwoven with a consummate skill.

Tom Holland