Overview

"Ever since the Magi trekked from the East to witness the birth of Jesus, pilgrims have undertaken long and often dangerous journeys to seek out holy Christian places. ""Sacred Tracks"" tells the 2000-year-old story of Christian pilgrimage and the saints and pilgrims, shrines and cathedrals, relics and practices of a tradition that is still flourishing in 2002. Drawing on contemporary accounts and illustrations, ""Sacred Tracks"" captures the atmosphere of pilgrimage through the ages. Divided into three sections - ""Early Paths"", ""Medieval Roads"" and ""Modern Ways"" - the book describes every aspect of pilgrimage past and present, from the practicalities of setting out to the difficult conditions of travel, to the great sites, such as Rome, Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela and Canterbury. The book looks at the pilgrims themselves, from St Brendan, who is said to have cast himself adrift, letting God guide his search for a paradisal holy island, to the penitents, cure seekers and adventurers who in the Middle Ages set out for the unknown in their millions. In recent times pilgrimage has recaptured the popular imagination. For the increasing numbers who each year follow in the footsteps of"

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9780520233959

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"""This book, enlivened by 63 color illustrations, is essential for anyone interested in the history of Christian pilgrimage.""--""Christian Century"""

This book, enlivened by 63 color illustrations, is essential for anyone interested in the history of Christian pilgrimage. -- Christian Century

Author Information

James Harpur is an editor and writer of adult and children's illustrated titles. His books include Revelations: The Medieval World, The Atlas of Sacred Places, The Miracles of Jesus, Abraham and His Sons, and The Journeys of Paul. His children's books include Pyramids and The Eyewitness Visual Dictionary of Ancient Civilizations. His latest book of poetry is Oracle Bones.

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