Stigmata: A Medieval Phenomenon in a Modern Age [Hardcover]

Ted Harrison (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1994

An inspirational book that examines the controversies surrounding stigmata, the name given to the phenomena in which ordinary people suffer spontaneous lesions on their hands and feet resembling the marks of Christ's crucifixion. Rich in detail and objective about various explanations, this book describes the fascinating history of stigmatists over the last 800 years. Photos.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Harrison, a former religious affairs correspondent for the BBC, explores stigmata, or spontaneous bleeding. He gives historical detail with possible explanations for stigmata, ranging from miracles to psychosomatic empathy. Documentation ranges from a 13th-century account of a Cistercian nun in Europe to the current-day tale of an American priest, Father Jim Bruse, who experienced spontaneous bleeding on his hands and feet. Harrison provides information on the life of the individual, the occurrence(s), and testimony from witnesses. The stigmata appear to follow the religious art known to individuals, with marks appearing in the palm of the hand or around the wrist. Further exploration of the evolution of markings corresponding to religious art and the art itself taking on animation can be found in Joe Nickell's Looking for a Miracle (LJ 10/1/93). For most collections.
L. Kriz. Sioux City P.L., Ia.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Manifestations of stigmata, bodily marks resembling the wounds of the crucified Jesus, have been exceedingly rare, but as the millennium approaches, the phenomenon seems to be increasing. Harrison, a former religious correspondent for the BBC, approaches the issue with an open mind, recording the case histories of both famous stigmatists, such as the first, St. Francis of Assisi, and the lesser known and more contemporary, like the African American woman from California who, unlike most stigmatists, is a Baptist rather than a Roman Catholic. Perhaps the most interesting part of the book is the conclusion, in which Harrison takes an objective look at the phenomenon and examines events from a number of perspectives. Harrison's explanations tend more toward the psychological rather than the miraculous, but he finally posits that even if stigmata can be explained in terms of natural laws, the question of whether they are of divine nature must be left for individuals to answer for themselves. Ilene Cooper

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 165 pages
• Publisher: St Martins Pr; First U.S. Edition edition (October 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312113722
• ISBN-13: 978-0312113728
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,998,218 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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