The Private Lives of the Saints
  • Published: 18 July 2023
  • ISBN: 9780753560327
  • Imprint: WH Allen
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 496
  • RRP: $29.99
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The Private Lives of the Saints

Power, Passion and Politics in Anglo-Saxon England

Formats & editions
Paperback
18 Jul 2023
EBook
27 Aug 2015
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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: 18 July 2023
  • ISBN: 9780753560327
  • Imprint: WH Allen
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 496
  • RRP: $29.99
Categories:
Share…

About the author

Janina Ramirez

Dr Janina Ramirez is an Oxford lecturer, BBC broadcaster, researcher and author. Janina is the course director for the Undergraduate Certificate and Diploma in History of Art at the University of Oxford. She presents her ideas widely at conferences, public speaking and outreach events, and publishes her research in journals and magazines. She has presented and written over six BBC history documentaries and series, is a regular guest on the new BBC Four series ‘Quizeum’ and is currently working on a number of projects including a three-part series for Radio 4. She lives in Oxfordshire with her young family.

portrait photo of Janina Ramirez

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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
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