Ann W. Astell Knihy

Exploring the portrayal of Joan of Arc, this study highlights how modern authors identify with her as a symbol of the artist's struggle in a decaying cultural landscape. Drawing on theories from notable thinkers, Astell examines the works of various writers, revealing how Joan's identity as a peasant woman resonates with their experiences as outsiders. The narrative of her condemnation and martyrdom reflects artists' anxieties, while her miraculous victories inspire them to seek a sacred status in the literary world. This comprehensive analysis underscores the relevance of medieval themes in contemporary self-understanding.

The historical evolution of hagiography as a genre is intricately linked to the developments in biblical studies, as explored through a detailed analysis of ancient, medieval, and modern Lives of the saints. Ann W. Astell highlights how these narratives reflect broader shifts in theological understanding and cultural context, offering insights into the interplay between saintly biographies and scriptural interpretation across different eras.

Calling into question the common assumption that the Middle Ages produced no secondary epics, Ann W. Astell here revises a key chapter in literary history. She examines the connections between the Book of Job and Boethius' s Consolation of Philosophy...