Prophets in Their Own Country: Living Saints and the Making of Sainthood in the Later Middle Ages

by Aviad Kleinberg

In this original study of the making of saintly reputations, Aviad M. Kleinberg shows how sainthood, though frequently seen as a personal trait, is actually the product of negotiations between particular individuals and their communities. Employing the methods of history, anthropology, and textual criticism, Kleinberg examines the mechanics of sainthood in daily interactions between putative saints and their audiences. This book will interest historians, anthropologists, sociologists, medievalists, and those interested in the study of religion.

"[A] fascinating and sometimes iconoclastic view of saints in the medieval period." —Sandra R. O'Neal, Theological Studies

"[An] important new book. . . . [And] an excellent piece of scholarship." —Diane L. Mockridge, Method & Theory in the Study of Religion

"[Kleinberg's] style is clear and accessible and his observations insightful; the book is a pleasure to read." —Veronica Lawrence, Theological Book Review

"Original and interesting. . . . [Kleinberg] has made a major contribution." —Anne L. Clark, American Historical Review

"Kleinberg's concern is not just with perceptions of sanctity, but, refreshingly, with what actually and he is especially good on the conflict of the two. . . . [This] is not just a book but a way of thought, and one that promises interesting conversations at all levels from the church porch to the tutorial and the academic conference." —Helen Cooper, Times Literary Supplement

Genres: Religion, History, Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1992

About the author

Aviad Kleinberg is an Israeli historian. He writes about the history of the Middle Ages in Europe and the history of Christianity and Christian Theology.

Reviews

[Ella]

Read for primary tutorial: Medieval Female Mystics

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book taking a look at Saints from a social point of view and how they interact with their surroundings and the people who support them or renounce them. Many people probably won't like it because it doesn't look at things with a theological bias, but that is exactly what makes it so good because it doesn't try to make excuses for stories that really make no sense.