Being a Pilgrim: Art and Ritual on the Medieval Routes to Santiago

by Kathleen M. Ashley, Marilyn Deegan

The Way of St James has been a pilgrimage event for over 1000 years as people have flocked to the site of the burial of the apostle St James the Great. Legend states that the body of James was carried by boat from Jerusalem to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, where a church was erected on the site of the tomb. There is no single route for the pilgrims to follow, but there are several key paths. Kathleen Ashley and Marilyn Deegan capture the experience of the medieval pilgrim through an examination of art, historical and social contexts as well as themes related to pilgrimage such as music, legend and ritual. The book is copiously illustrated with new photographs by Marilyn Deegan showcasing the visual legacy of the medieval pilgrimage experience in sculpture, painting and architecture. Interwoven in Kathleen Ashley's narrative text are original sources bringing to us the voice of these men and women who set out on what was then an epic journey.

264 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2009

Reviews

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luscious photographs of pilgrimage sites. Interesting topical treatment of high points of the Santiago routes one has to come into this book knowing something about the pilgrimage, though, or I would think it would seem like a jumble of facts. However it was thoroughly enjoyable, scholarly and fun!

[Paul Cassedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brautiful book, full of lovely photographs; this volume is unusual in that the subject is heavily about the various camino routes through France. Only about 1/6th of the book is about Spanish caminos. In some ways this is refreshing; far too many of us forget that the Camino was (and, indeed, is still) more than just Spanish. And, even within Spain, more than just the one "French Way" across north central Spain.

The book is beautiful and the text a delight to read. I am planning my fifth Camino for the spring of this year (2024) and was hoping for more about the routes I am currently considering: the "Northern" route along the Bay of Biscay and the "Primitive" (original) route from the bay diagonally across the mountains into Galicia.

[Ms. S........... · Rating 3 out of 5]

why hadn't someone thought of this book sooner? excellent resource for a fascinating topic.