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The Legends of the Holy Harlots: Thaïs and Pelagia in Medieval Spanish Literature

Beresford, Andrew

Authors



Abstract

The legends of the holy harlots, Thaïs and Pelagia, are two of the most controversial accounts of female sanctity to have circulated in Spain during the Middle Ages. In this book, which reviews the origin and development of their cults, the author reconsiders the relationships that have traditionally been thought to exist between them and three of the other so-called prostitute saints: Mary Magdalene, Mary of Egypt, and Mary the niece of Abraham. This is accompanied by an evaluation of the five Castilian versions of the two legends and their Latin sources, followed by a reading of their thematic and structural significance, with particular emphasis paid to the ways in which the two women renounce their sins and embark on the slow and agonizing path of redemption. The book is completed by critical editions of the five Castilian versions.

Citation

Beresford, A. (2007). The Legends of the Holy Harlots: Thaïs and Pelagia in Medieval Spanish Literature. Tamesis

Book Type Authored Book
Publication Date Jun 1, 2007
Deposit Date Jul 24, 2007
Series Title Colección Támesis
ISBN 18556614466
Publisher URL http://www.boydell.co.uk/55661446.HTM


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