Simon Yarrow is a historian whose work delves into the complexities of medieval England, with a specific scholarly interest in the cults of saints during the twelfth century. His academic pursuits have extensively explored medieval history, including a focus on the historiography of the Anglo-Norman era. Through his research, he illuminates the religious and cultural fabric of medieval Britain, offering insights into its unique historical development.
In this Very Short Introduction Simon Yarrow explores sainthood, sanctity, and the lives of saints themselves. Explaining their social, cultural, and political roles through history, he considers them as forms of literary and artistic expression, and concludes by looking at their relevance in the modern world.
The Saints examines the history, traditions, and cultural impact of the saints. Looking at their origins and the cultural definition of saints and sanctity, Yarrow moves on to consider interpretations of saints in literature and art, and the role gender plays in sainthood.