This book represents the first full-length study of the prevalence of domestic imagery in late medieval religious literature. It examines as yet understudied patterns of household imagery and allegory across four fifteenth-century spiritual texts, all of which are Middle English translations of earlier Latin works. These texts are drawn from a range of popular genres of medieval religious writing, including spiritual guidance texts, Lives of Christ and collections of revelations received by visionary women. All of the texts discussed in this book have identifiable late medieval readers, which further enables a discussion of the way in which these book users might have responded to the domestic images in each one. This is a hugely important area of enquiry, as the literal late medieval household was becoming increasingly culturally important during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, and these texts’ frequent recourse to domestic imagery would have been especially pertinent.

This book represents the first full-length study of the prevalence of domestic imagery in late medieval religious literature. It examines as yet understudied patterns of household imagery and allegory across four fifteenth-century spiritual texts, all of which are Middle English translations of earlier Latin works. These texts are drawn from a range of popular genres of medieval religious writing, including the spiritual guidance text, Life of Christ, and collection of revelations received by visionary women. All of the texts discussed in this book have identifiable late medieval readers, which further enables a discussion of the way in which these book users might have responded to the domestic images in each one. This is a hugely important area of enquiry, as the literal late medieval household was becoming increasingly culturally important during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, and these texts’ frequent recourse to domestic imagery would have been especially pertinent.

Focusing on England but covering a wide range of European and global traditions and influences, this authoritative volume examines the central role of medieval women in the production and circulation of books and considers their representation in medieval literary texts, as authors, readers and subjects, assessing how these change over time. Engaging with Latin, French, German, Welsh and Gaelic literary culture, it places British writing in wider European contexts while also considering more distant influences such as Arabic. Essays span topics including book production and authorship; reception; linguistic, literary, and cultural contexts and influences; women's education and spheres of knowledge; women as writers, scribes and translators; women as patrons, readers and book owners; and women as subjects. Reflecting recent trends in scholarship, the volume spans the early Middle Ages through to the eve of the Reformation and emphasises the multilingual, multicultural and international contexts of women's literary culture.

The story of Alpha is of major significance for understanding the place of religious faith in the modern world, but that story has never been told - until now. Since its launch in 1993, the Alpha movement has evolved from 'supper party evangelism' in the Kensington suburbs into a global brand of Christian outreach. Today, over a million people attend Alpha every year, but the history of its rise to popularity has never been documented. What caused such spiritual renewal in an age of scepticism? And what propelled Alpha into a phenomenon that is recognised across the globe? Alpha is far more than an introductory course to Christianity. At the core of its brand identity is a 'repackaging' of the Christian message for contemporary audiences. Innovation and cultural adaptability are built into Alpha's DNA, one of the chief reasons for its longevity and influence. Nimbly utilising the multimedia and digital revolutions, it has contextualised into cultures and languages across the planet. And led by charismatic, savvy individuals, it has attracted people from across the social spectrum, making waves in national media. Andrew Atherstone leaves no stone unturned as he presents this fascinating history. With exclusive access to original archives, Atherstone recounts the miraculous stories of HTB's early years, the first full account of Nicky Gumbel's conversion, and the strategic decisions that launched Alpha onto the global stage of Christian influence. With sharp historical analysis, Andrew Atherstone uncovers the story of Christian resurgence in our contemporary age.

Includes three complete women's Christian faith-filled novels: "Fire Dancer" by Colleen Coble (2006); "When Crickets Cry" by Charles Martin (2006); and "Savannah From Savannah" by Denise Hildreth (2004). Hardbound book with perma-print cover, 5-3/4" x 8-1/2" x 1-1/2" in size. Exclusively from Lifeway Christian Stores. Nourish your soul! From the book's back cover: "Fire Dancer" by Colleen Coble: An invigorating, fast-paced suspense novel laced with romance. Tess Masterson's parents died in a terrible fire years ago. Now she's become one of the best smoke jumpers in the business and must track a serial arsonist before he strikes again. "When Crickets Cry" by Charles Martin: There are painful reasons why crickets cry . . . and there are miracles lying in wait. In a small town square of a sleepy Georgia town, a little girl sits at her lemonade stand, raising money for her own heart transplant. As a beat-up break truck careens around the corner, a man with a painful past looks up in time to see her yellow dress fluttering in the wind as she runs into the road. What happens next will change both of their lives forever. "Savannah from Savannah" by Denise Hildreth: Pit a strong-willed woman against her crazy, Southern, socialite mama and watch the sparks fly! After Savannah Phillips' mother - the city's most dramatic and diva-like citizen - fixes a contest in her daughter's favor, the humiliated Savannah decides to drop everything, including her literary dreams. Instead, returning to her namesake hometown, she attempts to prove herself to her mother, her city, and herself.