Saints : A new legendary of heroes, humans and magic

Embark on a mesmerising journey through time with the Sunday Times bestselling author of Storyland and Wild. Amy Jeffs presents a captivating new legendary that weaves together miracles, magic, human frailty, and heroic strength. This exquisite tome features over thirty original paper cutouts crafted by the author herself, adding a visual feast to the literary banquet.

Saints delves into the rich tapestry of medieval European culture, exploring the legends that shaped landscapes, rituals, and folk beliefs. From men raised by wolves to women conversing with flocks of birds, these tales paint a vivid picture of a world where the extraordinary was commonplace. Jeffs masterfully retells legends born of the medieval cult of saints, drawing from a diverse array of sources spanning the fourth to the sixteenth centuries.

This enchanting collection introduces readers to a pantheon of saints hailing from as far east as Turkey and North Africa to the western reaches of Britain and Ireland. Alongside familiar figures like Brigid, George, Patrick, and Michael, Jeffs shines a light on lesser-known saints such as Scoith�n, Euphrosyne, and Ia, as well as those whose legends have been tainted by prejudice.

Each legend is accompanied by a commentary that not only delves into the saint's history but also traces the rise and fall of the medieval cult of saints, from the first martyrs to the Protestant Reformation. The book's structure follows the calendar year, beginning with St Mungo in January and concluding with St Thomas Becket in December.

With the precision of a detective and the passion of a storyteller, Jeffs guides readers through a treasure trove of medieval artefacts. From church walls and elite possessions to humble pilgrim badges buried in the Thames, she unearths wondrous tales of wayfaring monks, oak-felling missionaries, and mighty martyrs. Saints promises to transport readers to a world of demons and dragons, stubborn giant skulls, and sleepers in hidden Greek caves, offering an enchanting escape into the realm of legend and lore.

Product Information:

Book ISBN:	9781529416619
Book Author:	Amy Jeffs
Book Format:	Hardback
Book Imprint:	riverrun
Book Publisher:	Quercus Publishing
Book Dimensions:	244 x 165 x 42 cm
Book Publication Date:	2024-12-09
Book Pagination:	448 pages, 25 monochrome, paper cutout illustrations.
Book Weight:	796g