Synopses & Reviews
This book introduces the reader to the history of European Christian pilgrimage in the twelve hundred years between the conversion of the Emperor Constantine and the beginnings of the Protestant Reformation. It sheds light on the varied reasons for which men and women of all classes undertook journeys, which might be long (to Rome, Jerusalem and Compostela) or short (to innumerable local shrines). It also considers the geography of pilgrimage and its cultural legacy.
Synopsis
Pilgrimage has existed on many different levels from its first inception. Journeys to holy places and shrines were undertaken by young and old, men and women, voluntarily and as penance, along routes of different length and duration, and for a range of different reasons - reverence, to seek cures and healing, for special devotional experience, as thanks or as a punishment, for example. Designed with students in mind, Diana Webb explores this variability in what is essentially an introduction to the history of European Christian pilgrimage.
Synopsis
Medieval pilgrimage was, above all, an expression of religious faith, but this was not its only aspect. Men and women of all classes went on pilgrimage for a variety of reasons, sometimes by choice, sometimes involuntarily. They made both long and short journeys: to Rome, Jerusalem and Santiago on the one hand; to innumerable local shrines on the other. The routes that they followed by land and water made up a complex web which covered the face of Europe, and their travels required a range of support services, including the protection of rulers (who were themselves often pilgrims). Pilgrimage left its mark not only on the landscape but also on the art and literature of Europe.
Diana Webb's engaging book offers the reader a fresh introduction to the history of European Christian pilgrimage in the twelve hundred years between the conversion of Emperor Constantine and the beginnings of the Protestant Reformation. As well as exploring this multi-faceted activity, it considers both the geography of pilgrimage and its significant cultural legacy.
About the Author
Diana Webb is Senior Lecturer in History at King's College London.
Table of Contents
Introduction * Medieval Pilgrimage: an Outline * Motives for Pilgrimage * Varieties of Pilgrim * The Geography of Pilgrimage * Pilgrimage in Medieval Culture