Sainted women of the Dark Ages

Author(s)

• McNamara, Jo Ann
• Halborg, John E.
• Whatley, E. Gordon

Bibliographic Information

Sainted women of the Dark Ages

edited and translated by Jo Ann McNamara and John E. Halborg with E. Gordon Whatley

Duke University Press, 1992

• pbk. : alk. paper
• alk. paper

Note

Includes bibliographical references (p. [327]-333) and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

Sainted Women of the Dark Ages makes available the lives of eighteen Frankish women of the sixth and seventh centuries, all of whom became saints. Written in Latin by contemporaries or near contemporaries, and most translated here for the first time, these biographies cover the period from the fall of the Roman Empire and the conversion of the invading Franks to the rise of Charlemagne's family. Three of these holy women were queens who turned to religion only after a period of intense worldly activity. Others were members of the Carolingian family, deeply implicated in the political ambitions of their male relatives. Some were partners in the great Irish missions to the pagan countryside and others worked for the physical salvation of the poor. From the peril and suffering of their lives they shaped themselves as paragons of power and achievement. Beloved by their sisters and communities for their spiritual gifts, they ultimately brought forth a new model of sanctity. These biographies are unusually authentic. At least two were written by women who knew their subjects, while others reflect the direct testimony of sisters within the cloister walls. Each biography is accompanied by an introduction and notes that clarify its historical context. This volume will be an excellent source for students and scholars of women's studies and early medieval social, religious, and political history.

Table of Contents

Note on Language and Abbreviations ix Acknowledgments xi Wives, Concubines, and Children of Merovingian Kings xii Ancestors of Charlemagne xiv Introduction 1 1. Genovefa, Virgin of Paris (423-502) 17 2. Clothild, Queen of the Franks (d. 544) 38 3. Monegund, Widow and Recluse of Tours (d. 570) 51 4. Radegund, Queen of the Franks and Abess of Poitiers (ca. 525-587) 60 5. Eustadiola, Widow of Bourges (594-684) 106 6. Caesaria II, Abbess of Saint Jean of Arles (ca. 550) 112 7. Resticula, Abbess of Arles (ca. 556-632) 119 8. Glodesind, Abbess in Metz (ca. 600) 137 9. Burgundofara, Abbess of Faremoutiers (603-645) 155 10. Sadalberga, Abbess of Laon (ca. 605-670) 176 11. Rictrude, Abbess of Marchiennes (ca. 614-688) 195 12. Gertrude, Abbess of Nivellles (628-658) 220 13. Aldegund, Abbess of Maubeuge (d. ca. 684) Waldetrude, Abbess of Mons (d. ca. 688) 235 14. Balthild, Queen of Neustria (d. ca. 680) 264 15. Bertilla, Abbess of Chelles (d. ca. 700) 279 16. Anstrude, Abbess of Laon (ca. 645-d. before 709) 289 17. Austreberta, Abbess of Pavilly (650-703) 304 Bibliography 327 Index 335

by "Nielsen BookData"

• NCID: BA22552842
• ISBN:
  • 0822312166
  • 082231200X
• LCCN: 91024544
• Country Code: us
• Title Language Code: eng
• Text Language Code: eng
• Original Language Code: fro
• Place of Publication: Durham, NC
• Pages/Volumes: x, 340 p.
• Size: 24 cm
• Classification:
  • LCC : BX4656
  • DC20 : 282/.092/244
  • DC20 : B
• Subject Headings:
  • LCSH : Christian women saints -- France -- Biography -- Early works to 1800
  • LCSH : Catholic women -- France -- Biography -- Early works to 1800
  • LCSH : France -- Church history -- To 987 -- Sources
  • LCSH : Christian hagiography