A Female Apostle in Medieval Italy: The Life of Clare of Rimini

The Life of the Blessed Clare of Rimini is an anonymous Franciscan text that tells the story of a controversial woman, Clare of Rimini, who established herself as a penitent living in a roofless cell in the ruins of the Roman walls of Rimini. She sought a life of solitary self-denial but was denounced as a demonic danger by local churchmen. The book presents the text in English translation for the first time, exploring topics such as political power, marriage and sexuality, gender roles, religious change, pilgrimage, and urban structures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2022
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press

This captivating book delves into the remarkable life of Clare of Rimini, a fascinating woman whose story is preserved in a captivating text. Composed by an anonymous Franciscan, the Life of the Blessed Clare of Rimini is the earliest known saints life originally written in Italian, and one of the few such lives to be written while its subject was still living. It tells the story of a controversial woman, set against the backdrop of her roiling city, her star-crossed family, and the tumultuous political and religious landscape of her age. Twice married, twice widowed, and twice exiled, Clare established herself as a penitent living in a roofless cell in the ruins of the Roman walls of Rimini. She sought a life of solitary self-denial, but was denounced as a demonic danger by local churchmen. Yet, she also gained important and influential supporters, allowing her to establish a fledgling community of like-minded sisters. She traveled to Assisi, Urbino, and Venice, spoke out as a teacher and preacher, but also suffered a revolt by her spiritual daughters.

A Female Apostle in Medieval Italy presents the text of the Life in English translation for the first time, bringing modern readers into Clare's world in all its excitement and complexity. Each chapter opens a different window into medieval society, exploring topics from political power to marriage and sexuality, gender roles to religious change, pilgrimage to urban structures, sanctity to heresy. Through the expert guidance of scholars and translators Jacques Dalarun, Sean L. Field, and Valerio Cappozzo, Clare's life and context become a springboard for readers to discover what life was like in a medieval Italian city.

Clare of Rimini, born around 1260 and died between 1324 and 1329, lived a remarkable life that is documented in the Life of the Blessed Clare of Rimini. This captivating text, written by an anonymous Franciscan, is the earliest known saints life originally written in Italian and stands out as one of the few such accounts that were composed while its subject was still alive. The Life of the Blessed Clare of Rimini unfolds against the backdrop of the bustling city of Rimini, where Clare's family experienced numerous challenges and setbacks. Despite her tumultuous personal life, which included two marriages, two widowships, and two exiles, Clare emerged as a penitent living in a roofless cell within the ruins of the Roman walls of Rimini. She sought a life of solitary self-denial, but her actions were met with controversy and denunciation by local churchmen who perceived her as a demonic danger. However, Clare's supporters, who recognized her spiritual gifts and her commitment to her faith, played a crucial role in her journey. These supporters allowed her to establish a small community of like-minded sisters who shared her vision of a life of penance and self-sacrifice. Clare's travels took her to various places, including Assisi, Urbino, and Venice, where she actively engaged in teaching and preaching. She used her platform to spread her message of repentance and devotion, attracting both admirers and detractors. However, her journey was not without its challenges. Clare faced a revolt by her spiritual daughters, who disagreed with her strict teachings and her authoritarian manner. This revolt led to a period of conflict and tension within her community, which ultimately resulted in Clare's exile from Rimini. Despite these setbacks, Clare's legacy continues to inspire and influence people today. Her life story serves as a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the ability to overcome adversity. The Life of the Blessed Clare of Rimini provides a valuable insight into medieval Italian society, exploring themes such as political power, marriage and sexuality, gender roles, religious change, pilgrimage, and urban structures. Through the expert guidance of scholars and translators, this book offers modern readers a fresh perspective on Clare's life and her contributions to the religious and cultural landscape of her time.

Weight: 302g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781512823042