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 over 2,200 female and male saints, Jane Schulenburg explores women's status and experience in early medieval society and in the Church by examining factors such as family wealth and power, patronage, monasticism, virginity, and motherhood. The result is a unique depiction of the lives of these strong, creative, independent-minded women who achieved a visibility in their society that led to recognition of sanctity.