Saint Mary of Egypt

Bonnie Thurston's presentation of the Life of Saint Mary of Egypt combines two elements: a sparkling verse rendering of the Life, that not only retells the story but also touches the feelings in a way that highlights the importance of personal conversion. This is buttressed by a preliminary summary of the plot of the Life and a review of its literary and theological characteristics. An attractive and original version of the Life that will certainly help readers to make contact with its profound spiritual meaning. Michael Casey, OCSO This study of Mary of Egypt is in two parts: a poetic life and a scholarly analysis. It is a perfect combination of art and science that offers the clearest and most compassionate study of the saint that I have read. Joyce E. Salisbury, Professor Emerita, University of Wisconsin, Green Bay Bonnie Thurston has produced with this her latest offering a very creative and inspiring work on the ancient Christian figure St. Mary of Egypt. Through the masterful use of poetry and prose, Dr. Thurston weaves a beautiful tapestry on the very fabric of life and witness of this mother of the desert. I believe that this book will be read in the decades to come as a foundational text by those who are new and old to the story of this legendary saint. Dr. John G. Panagiotou, Orthodox theologian and scholar This volume provides us with a double pleasure. First, we have a sensitive version of the life done by Thurston. Second, we get a capacious study of how her life was received and expanded in the history of hagiography and spirituality. There is much to savor and instruct in this book. Lawrence Cunningham, The University of Notre Dame Poet Bonnie Thurston creates a reverent yet playful rendition that places this itinerant saint and her story at the center of the narrative. In addition to the poems, the book includes a foreword by medieval studies scholar Benedicta Ward, a substantive introduction, and an essay on the meaning of Mary of Egypt for our contemporary moment. Christian Century Readers are indebted to Thurston that her ongoing fascination with and devotion to Saint Mary of Egypt, coupled with her extensive research into her story, has resulted in a fine readable verse-tale, accompanied by thorough historical, literary, and theological background. This little book is a stirring affirmation of the mercy of God that is available to all. Christianity & Literature Packed full of insights from a historic point of view and, more importantly, from that of spirituality. Spirituality