Private Lives of the Saints: Power, Passion and Politics in Anglo-Saxon England

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Femina

'Ramirez blasts a powerful spotlight into the so-called Dark Ages' - Dan Snow

Skulduggery, power struggles and politics, The Private Lives of the Saints offers an original and fascinating re-examination of life in Anglo-Saxon England. Taking them down from the clouds of their heavenly status, Sunday Times bestselling author and renowned Oxford historian Dr Janina Ramirez explores the real lives of the legendary, seminal saints.

This landmark book provides a unique and captivating new lens through which to explore the rich history of the Dark Ages.



What a wonderful book this is. Like the interlace stonework on an Anglo-Saxon cross, Janina Ramirez's themes are interwoven with a consummate skill. Tom Holland

Ramirez blasts a powerful spotlight into the so-called Dark Ages and reveals a vibrant world, awash with colour and character. Dan Snow

A wonderful book Simon Schama

Entertaining ... carefully composed Observer

Those who were recast as saints achieved a superhuman status, their real lives often obscured by hagiographies rich with legends of miracle-working from beyond the grave. Janina Ramirez's book portrays them historically – as living, breathing personalities within the world they knew, the places we have inherited. Her enthusiasm and instinct for relevance should welcome a broad new audience to medieval Church history. Jonathan Foyle