A Legend of Holy Women

This translation of A Legend of Holy Women reveals the first all-female hagiography, showcasing the lives of 13 remarkable saints through modern prose.

Sheila Delany's spirited translation of A Legend of Holy Women brings to life the first all-female hagiography, originally penned by Osbern Bokenham between 1443 and 1447. This work, translated from the intricate Latinate Middle English verse into accessible modern prose, features the stories of thirteen remarkable women saints. These narratives draw from various sources, including the gospel, apocrypha, martyrology, and high-medieval history, showcasing the diverse experiences and virtues of these holy figures.

In her comprehensive introduction, Delany emphasizes that Bokenham's choice to focus solely on women is significant, presenting a gallery of powerful and articulate individuals who embody the spirit of divine service. The women depicted in A Legend of Holy Women are not merely passive figures; they are educated, politically astute, and capable of performing miraculous feats. Some preach to large audiences, while others advocate for divine retribution, illustrating a multifaceted representation of women's roles in both the sacred and secular realms of medieval society.

Delany also explores the influence of Geoffrey Chaucer’s Legend of Good Women on Bokenham’s work, suggesting that the arrangement and selection of saints reflect deeper connections to the political and patronage dynamics of fifteenth-century England. Accompanied by detailed notes, this translation makes the text accessible to a broad audience, appealing to those interested in women's representation in late-medieval culture as well as scholars and students across various fields of study.