This study of over 2500 female and male saints explores women's status and experience in early medieval society and in the Church. It focuses on the changing social contexts of female sanctity, and also on "deviant" female behaviour which frequently challenged male order and authority.

In this remarkable study of more than 2,500 female and male saints, historian Jane Schulenburg explores women's status and experience in early medieval society and in the Church. The lives of these early saints afford rare insight into the private world of medieval men and women, the special bonds of family and friendship, and the collective mentalities of the period. 23 photos.