St Birgitta of Sweden

Should do much to make this most impressive woman more accessible to English readers.

• Introduction: between history and myth. Part 1 The Swedish roots: geography; society; the Church; the early-14th century; Birgitta's parentage - her date and place of birth. Part 2 Childhood, marriage and motherhood: childhood visions; marriage; Birgitta's views on marriage; Birgitta and Ulf; children; piety in marriage; life at court; Santiago de Compostela. Part 3 Widowhood at Alvastra: the calling vision; self-doubt and support; Cistercian milieu; Books I and II; France and England at war; the Russian crusades; Magnus's bequest to Birgitta; the Liber Questionum; departure from Sweden. Part 4 The Rome years: Milan; the state of Rome; early years; the Sermo Angelicus; Katarina Ulfsdotter; restoration of the papacy. Part 5 The last pilgimage: Alphonso of Jaen; predictions of the pilgrimage; Giovanna I of Naples; Cyprus; the vision of the Passion; the vision of the Nativity; death. Chapter 6 The making of the saint: preparations; the canonization, 1391; apologists and opponents. Chapter 7 The Birgittine legacy: approval of the Order; the Rule; Vadstena; the Order outside Sweden; the post-Reformation survival; St Birgitta's legacy - the active and contemplative life.