Simon Yarrow is a historian specializing in medieval England, with a particular focus on the cults of saints in the twelfth century. His academic career has been dedicated to exploring the intricacies of medieval history, often delving into the historiography of the Anglo-Norman period. His research contributes to a deeper understanding of the religious and cultural landscapes of medieval Britain.
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.
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.