Catherine of Siena: A Biography

by Anne B. Baldwin

Catherine of A Biography

Genres: Biography, Catholic

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1987

Reviews

[Alan A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biography serves its purpose well! It gives a detailed account of the life and surrounding events of St. Catherine of Siena such as her early consecration, the political crisis in northern Italy, France, and the Papal States, as well as the beginnings of the Western Schism. Her mysticism and prophetic value is also recorded alongside another influential woman of her time, St. Bridget of Sweden. In the end of the book, the author collects all the information provided by the scribes and biographers of Catherine, statements by two pontiffs, and her spiritual work known as The Dialogues, and describes her knowledge of the interior life. The book also makes occasional mentions about life and customs of the medieval period too. Some of the things that even she did, was not recommended to be done by others, much like certain acts by St. Francis that he did not promote his members to do. But in her thoughts, she knew, as the book quotes ‘’All things to be done in moderation.’’

Edit: Upon a skim, the author will make some claims [an example being of a vision that St. Catherine had concerning Christians and Muslims ‘’entering into the wound of Jesus Christ together’’] that are not cited or accounted for in the source page, and will leave readers wondering where this may have been found. Whether it’s in another biographer of Catherine, somewhere in one of her various letters, or potentially an apocryphal event that has been recounted or made up, I will not know. I found this to be a shame because there is a lot of cool stuff to be found among mystics about the conversion of Muslims that aren’t always necessitating militaristic crusades, but instead a encounter with Jesus Christ. Since I couldn’t find this source, I wouldn’t show it to my converso friends. It’s probable there may be some small spots where this is the case too with other details but for a roughly 180 page biographical, I wouldn’t hold it against the author too much. Four stars! Still recommend for anyone wanting to know more about St. Catherine!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a convenient to read, balanced biography of Catherine. Her relationship with the Lord was explained well. Elements of the medieval culture were explained, especially as they pertained to her activities. There was a chapter about her being a doctor of the Church, despite her illiteracy. Another chapter explained anorexia and how it is likely what she had and that she never encouraged others to fast to that extent, believing "all things in moderation."
Insightful
Inspiring