Age of Pilgrimage : The Medieval Journey to God

Brings alive the history of pilgrimage in Europe We are apt to forget how much people traveled in the Middle Ages. Not only merchants, friars, soldiers and official messengers, but crowds of pilgrims were a familiar sight on the roads of Western Europe. In this engaging work of history, Jonathan Sumption brings alive the traditions of pilgrimage prevalent in Europe from the beginning of Christianity to the end of the fifteenth century. Vividly describing such major destinations as Jerusalem, Rome, Santiago de Compostela and Canterbury, he examines both major figures--popes, kings, queens, scholars, villains--and the common people of their day. Meticulously researched, thought-provoking and entertaining, this book: --explains the extraordinary appeal of pilgrimage to medieval people and the religion on which it was based. --points out that modern tourism has its roots in the Middle Ages, including "package tours," phrase books, and postcards. --is a classic book for today's spiritual seekers and a travel companion to many European destinations.