The Oldest Vocation
Book description
According to an old story, a woman concealed her sex and ruled as pope for a few years in the ninth century. Pope Joan was not betrayed by a lover or discovered by an enemy; her downfall came when she went into labor during a papal procession through the streets…
Why read it?
1 author picked The Oldest Vocation as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Another companion on my journey to becoming a medievalist, The Oldest Vocation is one of the earliest works of medieval scholarship to take the history of motherhood seriously. Atkinson showed us how mothering was a calling in the medieval world, whether it was a physical experience or a spiritual one. I think this was the first book I ever bought the moment it was available!
From Miriam's list on medieval women’s history.
Want books like The Oldest Vocation?
Our community of 10,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Oldest Vocation.
Browse books like The Oldest Vocation
5 book lists we think you will like!
Interested in the Middle Ages, Women's history, and Christianity?
10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about the Middle Ages, Women's history, and Christianity.