Mary Magdalene
A Cultural History

‘Mary Magdalene: A Cultural History establishes a narrative thread through centuries of cultural reception of the biblical figure, and covers an impressive range of material … Almont provides the most accessible summary to date of the scholarly story so far …’ Siobhán Jolley, The Art Newspaper

'… an enthralling examination of a pivotal figure in Christian tradition and a thought-provoking study of the countless stories and interpretations she inspired.' Kristen Rabe, Foreword Reviews

'The enigma of Mary Magdalene remains inextinguishable . . . Philip C. Almond has been a biographer of God, the Antichrist and the Devil, and a historian of witchcraft and the afterlife. He structures his excellent new study Mary Magdalene: A cultural history, around the unusual mathematics of the Magdalene myth in Western Christianity.' Anna Della Subin, Times Literary Supplement

'Professor Almond adroitly points out that, in the West, the enhanced status assigned to the Blessed Virgin Mary across the medieval period made her less accessible as a role model. Rather, the fallen woman redeemed became a woman for all seasons . . . Professor Almond [makes] many excurions, into the history of pilgrimages, relic collecting, medieval Vitae, and much else.' Nicholas Cranfield, Church Times

‘Philip C. Almond provides a rapid but learned tour of the 'idea' of Mary Magdalene … it is the sort of book you might buy as a Christmas present - and the recipient is guaranteed to learn a great deal.’ Sarah Parkhouse, Material Religion