Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #181119 in Books
• Published on: 2006-03-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 160 pages

Synopsis
St George is a figure that bridges many worlds. At the heart of the myths and legends surrounding this English icon, lies the story of an Early Christian Martyr persecuted by the Roman Empire around the third century AD. But England is only one country to have adopted this legendary soldier saint as their patron. Other countries including Germany, Armenia, Hungary, Portugal and Malta have all claimed him as their own. The cult of St George is astonishingly widespread with churches being dedicated to him in Ethiopia, Egypt, Greece and France. His heroic struggle and victory against the dragon can be interpreted as representing the bravery of an individual Christian, or as the eternal battle been good and evil. But closer examination of the cult of St George yields unexpected results. There are clear parallels between his legendary battle and that of earlier pre-Christian heroes such as Perseus and Beowulf. St George is also identified with the Islamic hero Al Khidr, who is said to have discovered the fountain of youth. He has been associated with the coming of spring and has functioned as fertility symbol, and been closely linked to the Green Man of Pre-Christian Myth.

St George has also acted as a symbol of chastity and served as a healing saint. His flag has been appropriated by the far right but in recent times come to identify a multi-cultural England. David Beckham arguably embodies many of the contradictory aspects of St George as sex symbol, multi-racial icon and national hero.

Customer Reviews

Read about the real St George, an amazing little book
This book gives you the chance to really find out all there is to know about our patron saint. Its about time that a book like this was available for all to read. All school children should have the opportunity to read and study this book as it is clear and informative and really paints a true picture of St George.
St Georges day needs to be embraced by England and celebrated fully. Buy this book for you, your friends and family and get to know the real St George. I enjoyed it so much and really hope other people enjoy it as much as I did. I found the book to be easy to read with each chapter having a new and interesting angle. I found it surprising at times and praise the author for a well researched and stimulating read. I look forward to reading his previous book " The Holy Grail" and look forward to his new book "Byzantium" which I see will be published next year.
Highly reccommended