The Forgotten Desert Mothers: Sayings, Lives, and Stories of Early Christian Women

In The Forgotten Desert Mothers,Second Edition,Laura Swan highlights the sayings, lives, stories, and spirituality of women in the early Christian desert and monastic movement, challenging the historical overshadowing of their roles. The book explores the historical context and spirituality of desert ascetics, weaves together the sayings of major desert ammas, and reveals the stories of ascetics and solitaries. It demonstrates that women have long had a history of leadership in Christianity, appealing to faith seekers and scholars of early church history, women's studies, and religious studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2022
Publisher: Paulist Press International,U.S.

In her captivating book, "The Forgotten Desert Mothers, Second Edition," Laura Swan takes readers on a profound journey into the lives, sayings, stories, and spirituality of women who played pivotal roles in the early Christian desert and monastic movement, spanning from the third century onwards. Through meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, Swan seeks to rectify the historical misconception that women's contributions to early Christianity have been overshadowed by men.

She begins by delving into the historical context and spiritual essence of desert ascetics, providing a foundation for understanding the profound insights and wisdom these women cultivated. Swan then weaves together the sayings of the major desert ammas, or mothers, alongside insightful commentary that encourages readers to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and glean wisdom from their experiences.

The book unfolds in a captivating narrative that traverses the desert, monastery, and city, revealing the untold stories of ascetics and solitaries whose lives and experiences are rarely heard. Organized in the author's own alphabetical collection, the stories are presented in a way that allows readers to engage with the characters and their journeys on a personal level.

What sets "The Forgotten Desert Mothers" apart is its unwavering commitment to demonstrating that women have long held a history of leadership in Christianity. Through vivid storytelling and deep insights, Swan showcases the remarkable contributions and achievements of these women, challenging prevailing narratives and providing a fresh perspective on the rich tapestry of early Christian history.

This engaging, eye-opening, and insightful work appeals to a wide range of faith seekers, including those interested in reclaiming the history and spirituality of the women who came before them. It also serves as a valuable resource for courses on early church history, women's studies, and religious studies, offering valuable insights and perspectives that enrich the understanding of these subjects.

In conclusion, "The Forgotten Desert Mothers, Second Edition" is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the overlooked roles of women in early Christianity. Through meticulous research, thoughtful analysis, and engaging storytelling, Laura Swan has created a masterpiece that celebrates the contributions and achievements of these women and inspires readers to embark on their own spiritual journeys of discovery. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to broaden their understanding of Christianity's rich heritage and the profound impact of women in shaping its history.

Weight: 330g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780809155903