Setting the World on Fire

The Brief, Astonishing Life of St. Catherine of Siena

Biography & Memoir, Religious, Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Christianity
Cover of the book Setting the World on Fire by Shelley Emling, St. Martin's Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Shelley Emling ISBN: 9781466879195
Publisher: St. Martin's Press Publication: April 5, 2016
Imprint: St. Martin's Press Language: English
Author: Shelley Emling
ISBN: 9781466879195
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication: April 5, 2016
Imprint: St. Martin's Press
Language: English

One of only two patron saints of Italy, the other being St. Francis of Assisi, St. Catherine was ahead of her time. As a political powerhouse in late 14th century Europe, a time of war, social unrest and one of the worst natural disasters of all time--the plague, she worked for peace between Christians while campaigning for a holy crusade against Muslims. She was illiterate but grew into a great writer by dictating to assistants. She was frail and punished herself mercilessly, often starving herself, while offering moral guidance and inspiration to kings, queens and popes.

It's easy to see why feminists through the years have sought to claim the patronage of St. Catherine. From her refusal to marry to her assertion that her physical appearance was of no importance, the famous Saint is ripe for modern interpretation. She was a peacemaker during Siena's revolution of 1368, sometimes addressing thousands of people in squares and streets; she convinced Pope Gregory XI to return the papacy to Rome at a time when the Catholic Church was unraveling.

How did this girl, the second-youngest of 25 children of a middle-class dyer, grow to become one of the most beloved spiritual figures of all time, a theological giant to rank alongside the likes of Thomas Aquinas? In Setting the World on Fire, Emling gives an intimate portrayal of this fascinating and revolutionary woman.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

One of only two patron saints of Italy, the other being St. Francis of Assisi, St. Catherine was ahead of her time. As a political powerhouse in late 14th century Europe, a time of war, social unrest and one of the worst natural disasters of all time--the plague, she worked for peace between Christians while campaigning for a holy crusade against Muslims. She was illiterate but grew into a great writer by dictating to assistants. She was frail and punished herself mercilessly, often starving herself, while offering moral guidance and inspiration to kings, queens and popes.

It's easy to see why feminists through the years have sought to claim the patronage of St. Catherine. From her refusal to marry to her assertion that her physical appearance was of no importance, the famous Saint is ripe for modern interpretation. She was a peacemaker during Siena's revolution of 1368, sometimes addressing thousands of people in squares and streets; she convinced Pope Gregory XI to return the papacy to Rome at a time when the Catholic Church was unraveling.

How did this girl, the second-youngest of 25 children of a middle-class dyer, grow to become one of the most beloved spiritual figures of all time, a theological giant to rank alongside the likes of Thomas Aquinas? In Setting the World on Fire, Emling gives an intimate portrayal of this fascinating and revolutionary woman.

More books from St. Martin's Press

Cover of the book The Six O'Clock Scramble by Shelley Emling
Cover of the book Death Sits Down to Dinner by Shelley Emling
Cover of the book Freedom to Die by Shelley Emling
Cover of the book All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Shelley Emling
Cover of the book Tears We Cannot Stop by Shelley Emling
Cover of the book White Rabbit by Shelley Emling
Cover of the book Love Me or Else by Shelley Emling
Cover of the book The Year of Fear by Shelley Emling
Cover of the book Awakening Your Psychic Powers by Shelley Emling
Cover of the book A Killer's Christmas in Wales by Shelley Emling
Cover of the book The Mayakovsky Tapes by Shelley Emling
Cover of the book Midnight's Kiss: Part 1 by Shelley Emling
Cover of the book Sky in the Deep by Shelley Emling
Cover of the book Out of Control by Shelley Emling
Cover of the book All The Man I Need by Shelley Emling
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy