British History - Religious Aspects, Saints, Christian, Middle Ages - Church History, Great Britain - History - To 1066, Saints - Christian Biography, Britain - Historical Biography - To 1066

Dunstan: Saint and Statesman

Name: Dunstan: Saint and Statesman
Author: Douglas Dales
ISBN: 9780718827045

by Douglas Dales, Archbishop of Canterbury

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Overview

St Dunstan of Canterbury, 909-988, was the central figure in the development of English church and society after the death of King Alfred. His life is traced beginning with his education at the great monastery of Glastonbury where he became abbot. As Archbishop of Canterbury he carried out one of the major developments of the century: the reformation of the monasteries. On the millenium of Dunstan's death this book examines him not just as a prelate and royal advisor but looks at other aspects of his life: his skills as a craftsman caused him to be adopted as patron saint of goldsmiths; some of his work as calligrapher and artist survive to this day; the coronation service which he drew up still lies at the heart of the service today; he was famed for his musical skills; and his miracles kept his memory alive.

Synopsis

A first major biography of the 10th century churchman who was Archbishop of Canterbury for twenty-eight years. Dunstan's achievements are set against the social and religious background of the day.