Radegund: The Trials and Triumphs of a Merovingian Queen

Radegund was a princess, captive, queen, deaconess, and saint who lived through a time of change and was honored as a mother and holy woman. E. T. Dailey's book examines her life and legacy, showing how she established a place for herself in a difficult and dangerous world without resorting to violence.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Radegund: A Woman Who Defined an Era

Born into the Thuringian royal house, Radegund's life was marked by tragedy. Captured in war, she was forced to marry the Frankish king who had slaughtered her family. Despite this horrific ordeal, Radegund refused to surrender to despair. Instead, she chose to embrace her faith and become a deaconess, dedicating her life to serving God.

Her journey took her to the convent of Holy Cross in Poitiers, where she acquired a fragment of the Cross of the Crucifixion. This precious relic became a symbol of her devotion and a source of healing for her fellow sisters. Radegund's reputation as a religious leader grew, and she was revered for her healings, exorcisms, and extreme self-mortification.

But Radegund's story did not end there. She was remembered as a saint, revered for her healings, exorcisms, and extreme self-mortification. Her legacy lived on for generations, defining medieval queenship, female monastic practice, and the expectations associated with holy women. Today, she is often envisioned as a pan-European saint, inspiring women around the world with her courage and faith.

In his book, "Radegund: A Woman Who Defined an Era," E. T. Dailey presents a fresh interpretation of this remarkable woman. He explores her vibrant life and legacy, demonstrating how she succeeded in establishing a place for herself within a difficult and dangerous world. Dailey also highlights how Radegund achieved prominence as a woman in a foreign land without resorting to the violence and intrigue that characterized the lives of other prominent women during this period.

Based on a wealth of English, French, and German scholarship, "Radegund" is a concise, authoritative, and accessible portrait of this remarkable woman. It will be of interest to experts and lay readers alike, providing a deeper understanding of the medieval world and the women who shaped it.

As we reflect on the life of Radegund, we are reminded of the power of faith, courage, and determination. Her story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring impact of a woman who refused to be defined by her circumstances.

Weight: 482g
Dimension: 243 x 160 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197656105