It wasn’t my intention to recommend books that I haven’t read myself but in honor of one of my newest jewelry designs, I’ll do it. As I said in this post, according to legend, Pope Joan disguised herself as a man and led the Church for a brief time in the 850s. I did read the historical novel Pope Joan by Donna Cross, which starkly illustrates how brutal life was for a woman in the Dark Ages (especially chilling since it is no different in some societies today). I haven’t read a non-fiction book yet, but I’ll probably get The Myth of Pope Joan, which dismisses the idea that Joan was real but explores what purposes the myth of Joan might have served. I’m intrigued by a comic, fictional take on the female pope, and I will definitely get this book on myths of the Middle Ages. Finally, if you need something to hang above your living room couch, a poster print of Pope Joan Is Condemned to the Jaws of Hell for Fornication will certainly be a conversation piece as well as a deterrent for house guests who tend to overstay their welcome.
I am reading Katherine by Anya Seton and lOVING it. I was actually in the middle of Devil Water (I liked that cover better) and picked up katherine this morn by mistake because they look and feel the same. Glad I did because Katherine has me hooked!
Very cool post. I have been fascinated by the myth (or reality) of Pope Joan for years. There has been a script about her floating around Hollywood for over a decade. Maybe this new book will ignite interest again. Would be a great — Oscar-ish — part for an actress.
@In Yr Fshn, I looove Katherine. One of my all-time favorites.
@Moira, it would make a great film!
I checked out the poster print of Pope Joan Is Condemned to the Jaws of Hell for Fornication and think that with a nice set of multi-colored felt tip pens, this could make a very nifty present for any bedridden or, incarcerated friend this coming holiday season.
A, you crack me up! I was wondering what to get for my many friends in “the Big House.”