Overview

A gripping biography that sheds provocative new light on the life of Saint PatrickSaint Patrick was, by his own admission, a controversial figure. Convicted in a trial by his elders in Britain and hounded by rumors that he settled in Ireland for financial gain, the man who was to become Ireland's patron saint battled against great odds before succeeding as a missionary. Saint Patrick Retold draws on recent research to offer a fresh assessment of Patrick's travails and achievements. This is the first biography in nearly fifty years to explore Patrick's career against the background of historical events, and Roy Flechner leaves no stone unturned as he takes readers on a riveting journey through Romanized Britain and late Iron Age Ireland. Rather than a dismantling of Patrick's reputation, or an argument against his sainthood, Flechner's biography raises crucial questions about self-image and the making of a reputation. From boyhood deeds to the challenges of a missionary enterprise, Saint Patrick Retold steps beyond established narratives to reassess a notable figure's life and legacy.

Full Product Details

9780691217468

Table of Contents

Reviews

[Flechner] emphasizes a critical and objective approach and encourages his audience to follow suit.-- Medievally Speaking Flechner has a good eye for a story. . . . This book does its subject justice.---Nicholas Cranfield, Church Times Flechner . . . has produced an excellent book . . . Flechner dissects the mythology surrounding Patrick on the grounds of his own writings and other evidence from Roman writers.---Dan Taraghan, Socialist Voice As clear a picture as we are likely to have of Patrick, in the context of the Ireland of his time, and also in regard to the legend that developed after his death.---David Platzer, Catholic Herald Highly readable despite the complexity of the material, it serves as a scrupulous guide to the shifting web of actuality and myth that characterises Patrick's life and cult.---William Laffan, Sunday Times-- Medievally Speaking Flechner's interpretation shows Patrick in a new light and expands our view of Ireland's relationship to the later Roman Empire and our view of Hiberno-Roman relations. . . . This is a novel and exciting new perspective on Patrick's career.---John Higgins, New England Classical Journal-- Medievally Speaking Flechner's authorial aim is both academic and popular. . . . Patrick does come across as a genuinely interesting personality.---Mary Kenny, The Spectator-- Medievally Speaking Flechner's account of the saint and his times is rich and rewarding. . . . It would be comforting, if highly improbable, to envision future St. Patrick's Days on which revelers cut back on raucous partying and spent time reading Flechner's search for Ireland's national saint. Spiritually as well as intellectually, it would be time well spent.---Peter Quinn, Commonweal Magazine-- Medievally Speaking Flechner includes lively anecdotes for the diligent reader which will delight studious recipients of compiled data. . . . [S]cholars may turn to it for what we may distinguish as the latest suppositions as to dependable deductions or as fanciful speculations about this most storied of Ireland's many saints.---John L. Murphy, Reading Religion-- Medievally Speaking A fascinating and enlightening exploration of early Christian Ireland, Britain and Europe.---Neil Hegarty, Irish Times-- Medievally Speaking [Flechner's] brilliant use of source material from Irish, British and Roman writers provides context and historical sweep.---Terry Golway, Wall Street Journal-- Medievally Speaking Saint Patrick Retold is that rare amalgam of academic rigour and stylish storytelling which will appeal as much to the general reader as to those engulfed in the discipline.---Joe Culley, History Ireland-- Medievally Speaking ...a close reading of events which open up new insights.---John L. Murphy, Reading Religion-- Medievally Speaking

Author Information

Roy Flechner is associate professor of early medieval history at University College Dublin. His books include The Hibernensis (two volumes) and Making Laws for a Christian Society.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available