Herman the Archdeacon and Goscelin of Saint-Bertin

Herman the Archdeacon and Goscelin of Saint-Bertin

By Tom Licence

Book Description

This scholarly work opens a window into the spiritual landscape of medieval England through the lens of Saint Edmund, the realm's beloved patron saint. Tom Licence presents two remarkable Latin miracle collections that emerged from the abbey of Bury St. Edmunds around 1100, offering readers a rare glimpse into how sacred stories shaped communities and faith during a pivotal period in English history.

The first collection, crafted by Herman the Archdeacon in the 1090s, represents the work of a historian educated in continental schools who documented extraordinary spiritual events across fifty chapters. His account provides insight into how divine intervention was understood and recorded in medieval East Anglia. The second collection, attributed to the Flemish writer Goscelin of Saint-Bertin, expands and reimagines Herman's work, demonstrating how spiritual narratives evolved to meet the needs of different audiences.

These texts reveal more than historical facts. They illuminate the dynamic relationship between institutional change and spiritual storytelling, showing how shifts in abbey leadership influenced the way miraculous events were interpreted and shared. The collections also include a provocative poem addressing ecclesiastical corruption, highlighting the moral tensions that shaped religious communities.

For contemporary readers seeking to understand how spiritual traditions develop and adapt, this work offers valuable perspectives on the intersection of faith, politics, and storytelling in shaping religious consciousness.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~15 hours)

📄 Length: 544 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Explore Christian saints in art
  • ✓ Explore Christian literature
  • ✓ Explore Great britain, history
  • ✓ Explore Legends
  • ✓ Explore Christian saints in literature
  • ✓ Explore Edmund, king of east anglia, 841-870
  • ✓ Explore Cult
  • ✓ Explore Saints

Topics Covered

Christian saints in art Christian literature Great britain, history Legends Christian saints in literature Edmund, king of east anglia, 841-870 Cult Saints History Christian saints

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