Synopses & Reviews
In the middle of the ninth century, amidst the ongoing wars and barbarian invasions of the Middle Ages, the intrigue of the outer world was mirrored in the battle for control of the Papacy of the Roman Catholic Church. This is the fascinating and tragic story of the life and times of the medieval woman who disguised herself as a man, became a monk, rose to become Pope John VIII (later known as "Pope Joan")--and was stoned to death when her true identity was discovered. This fascinating book sheds new light on medieval society, the Church, and the role and fate of women.
Lone Jensen (Arezzo, Italy, and Sparta, NJ) is a writer, historian, and the author of Gifts of Grace (978-0-06-056695-1). She has been researching the life and times of Pope Joan for several years.
Synopsis
Lone Jensen is the author of Gifts of Grace(HarperCollins), about the Virgin Mary. Her new book partakes of the ongoing interest in the intrigues and contested histories of the early Christian church and the people who were part of it, interest that has fueled sales of books like The DaVinci Code, Misquoting Jesus,and The Gospel of Mary of Magdala.This book is a valuable addition to our understanding of one of the most fascinating people - and her times - in Church history.