The Letters of Gregory the Great, pope from 590 to 604, have long been viewed as an indispensable resource for scholars of the early medieval period. John Martyn’s knowledge of these letters is well nigh unsurpassed, In this book he turns his attention to a hitherto neglected subject; those letters of Pope Gregory which pertain to nuns and convents. Despite the fact that scholarship on the Middle Ages has in the last thirty years been transformed by feminist contributions, and there has developed, as a result, a heightened awareness of the presence of women in medieval life, both secular and religious, only two of the thirty-six letters identified by Martyn have previously been discussed by scholars. This edition of the letters in both Latin and English is therefore of inestimable value to scholars and will act as a spur for further research. This sizeable collection of letters are analysed in company with other, better-known, writings about nuns from Gregory’s dialogi. In the introduction Martyn argues that his upbringing, dominated by his mother and four devout aunts, might reasonably have inculcated in him a deep and abiding concern for women, the religious in particular. This is evidenced by his friendships with Theoctista and Gordia, the sisters of the Byzantine Emperor Maurice, and with his wife, the pious Constantina. and with a number of abbesses, including Respecta (from Marseilles) and Talasia (from Autun). Gregory’s deep interest in the religious life of women, and his concern for their safety and wellbeing, are apparent throughout the letters. Martyn’s translations are clarified and enhanced by a commentary.

This book relies on original research on Pope Gregory the Great, and on Leander, evident in Saint Leander, Archbishop of Seville, edited and translated by John R. C. Martyn (Lexington Books, New York, 2009). It starts with Gregory’s letters, translated into English, to Leander, who became a very close friend. Their childhood years and very similar upbringings are followed by their years together in Constantinople, where Leander played a key role in the greatest of Gregory’s works, his Commentary on Job. Their similar literary skills evident in their works are then discussed, and their theological influence, in Italy and Spain, followed by their very similar attitudes to nuns and abbesses, to heresies, schisms and monks, and to Classical Studies and music. The book ends with the overall similarities in their lives and in their deaths, both struck by gout. Gregory and Leander were two extraordinary men, who played a major part in spreading the Christian Church, both of them very much on the side of women.

"With the Lombards invading Italy, and Slavs invading Illyria, and very active slave-dealers at work, the number of men and women who reached Rome and carried a papal letter, to sort out a legal or personal problem at home, is quite surprsing, considering the slowness and the very real dangers of often long journeys in boats or on horseback. ... [T]hey came from all over the civilized world, many briefly appearing on the stage, their mission quite often not reported later on."--Page 4 of cover.

The book is based on the author's very careful study of all the women who were involved with the normally extremely busy and painfully sick Pope Gregory the Great, many of them staying with him in Rome while he sorted out their mainly legal cases, and one of them, Theoctista, the learned sister of the Emperor Maurice, receiving the longest letter that he ever wrote to any individual. The consular son of the great Boethius, Flavius, was the father of Lady Rusticiana, who received several lette ...

The reign of Pope Gregory VII (1073-85), who gave his name to an era of Church reform, is critically important in the history of the medieval church and papacy. Thus it is surprising that this is the first comprehensive biography to appear in any language for over fifty years. H. E. J. Cowdrey presents Gregory's life and work in their entirety, tracing his career from early days as a clerk of the Roman Church, through his political negotiations, ecclesiastical governance, and final exile at Salerno. Full account is taken of his turbulent relations with King Henry IV of Germany, from his first deposition and excommunication in 1076, to the absolution at Canossa and the imposition of a second sentence in 1080. Pope Gregory was also a contemporary of William the Conqueror, and, as the author shows, fully supported his conquest of England. Gregory VII is presented as an individual whose deep inner belief in iustitia (righteousness) did not waver in the face of new circumstances, although his broad outlook underwent changes. Deeply committed to the traditions of the past and especially to those of Pope Gregory the Great, his reign prepared the way for an age of strong papal monarchy in the western Church.

The 'Christian Collection: Scripture, History, Theology, Spirituality, and Fiction' anthology brings together a rich tapestry of works that traverse a formidable landscape of Christian thought, belief, and narrative. Featuring an eclectic mix of genres, including theological treatises, historical analyses, spiritual autobiographies, and imaginative fiction, this collection provides a panoramic view of Christian intellectual and cultural heritage. The range of literary styles and the depth of themes exploredranging from the sublime to the divine, from the struggles of faith to the triumphs of spiritual enlightenmentdemonstrate the diversity and significance of the works included. Among these are standout pieces that have shaped religious thoughts and inspired millions worldwide, offering readers a comprehensive insight into the development of Christian ideology and its impact on global culture. The assembled authors and editors form a venerable who's who of literary and theological thought, from ancient church fathers like Saint Augustine and Athanasius of Alexandria to iconic writers such as Dante Alighieri and Leo Tolstoy, up to modern philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche and critical spirits like Voltaire. Their collective contributions frame a dialogue that stretches across centuries, shedding light on pivotal moments and movements within Christianity and its interaction with the world at large. This anthology aligns with significant historical, cultural, and literary movements, presenting a collective voice that encapsulates the spectrum of Christian thought and its evolution over time. This collection is recommended for anyone interested in traversing the vast expanses of Christian literature and thought. From scholars to lay readers, the anthology offers a unique opportunity to explore the multifaceted aspects of Christian theology, history, spirituality, and narrative through a single volume. Delving into this collection promises not only an educational journey through the corridors of Christian thought but also an enriching experience that fosters a deeper understanding of the myriad ways in which Christianity has influenced, and been influenced by, the world. The 'Christian Collection' is an essential reading for those seeking to comprehend the breadth and depth of Christian discourse across ages.