St. Augustine's Bones: A Microhistory

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The discovery of bones in the Cathedral of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro in 1965 sparked a significant controversy regarding their alleged connection to St. Augustine. This book delves into the ensuing debate, exploring urban literacy and public discourse as various manuscripts and pamphlets emerged to argue the authenticity of the remains. It highlights the impact of this dispute on Catholic spirituality in Northern Italy during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, revealing the dynamics between scholars, local leaders, and the papacy in shaping popular religious beliefs.