[Sigrid Undset; Kate Austin-Lund] -- Catherine of Siena was a particular favorite of Undset, who also was a Third Order Dominican. I read part of our before tendering to Italy, part while visiting Siena and Santa Maria sopra Minerva, and just finished it back in the States. At some point, I stumbled upon it in the bibliography of a book I was reading, added it, and forgot about it. Undset does a remarkable job of recreating an era that was far more complex than I ever imagined. Sigrid Undset, Catherine of Siena Introduction Opening Passage: In the city-states of Tuscany the citizens--Popolani--businessmen, master craftsmen and the professional class had already in the Middle Ages demanded and won the right to take part in the government of the republic side by side with the nobles--the Gentiluomini. Known for her historical fiction, which won her the Nobel Prize for literature in 1928, Undset based this factual work on primary sources, her own experiences living in Italy, and her profound understanding of the human heart. These factions were irreconcilable and often resulted in surprise attacks of mass butchery among those who hated his brother for his wrongness. Fantastic biography of this remarkable, holy, and only slightly terrifying woman. Sigrid Undset's Catherine of Siena is critically acclaimed as one of the best biographies of this well known, and amazing fourteenth-century saint. Believing that peace in Italy could be achieved only if the Pope, then living in France, returned to Rome, Catherine boldly traveled to Avignon to meet with Pope Gregory XI. Those wretched souls, lepers in Biblical language, are the ones they lavish their loving attention on the most and reminding all of us of our broken nature and our need to be healed. This is easily one of the most captivating biographies I have ever read, not to mention highly engrossing for it's historical content. Chapter 9. Account & Lists Account Returns & Orders. — Michael D. O'Brien, Author, Father Elijah. Refresh and try again. This biography resonates with the author's intelligence as well as her deep, unyielding faith in a loving and merciful God, as did the whole of St. Catherine's life. Undset does a remarkable job of recreating an era that was far more complex than I ever imagined. I have been touched by its reading and spirituality uplifted. Known for her historical fiction, which won her the Nobel Prize for literature in 1928, Undset based this factual work on primary sources, her own experiences living in Italy, and her profound understanding of the human heart. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. The saints tend to be remote and "other-wordly" to us with their all-encompassing needs for prayer, solitude, and austerity. This quiet morning while a liquid rose gold sunrise competes for my attention, I force myself to collect my thoughts regarding this book. Catherine of Siena (1347 - 1380) is one of the greatest saints and Doctor of the Church. But through the tissue ran silver threads of Christian charity, deep and genuine piety in the monasteries and among the good priests, among the brethren and sisters who had dedicated themselves to a life of helping their neighbours. By Sigrid Undset. St. Catherine of Siena, pray for us. Get this from a library! Sigrid Undset, author of, Sigrid Undset masterfully tells the story of St. Catherine with passion and beauty. It truly is great. She doesn't try to explain them for a secular audience but accepts that God did wonderful things through his saints. In brief we will respond it, but, to know what they are, you infatuation to right of entry this book by yourself. What a Woman! Summary. I also appreciate that Undset, a Nobel Prize winner, deals with the issues of healing and miracles. Undset based this factual work on primary sources, her own experiences living in Italy, and her profound understanding of the human heart. Known for her historical fiction, which won her the Nobel Prize for literature in 1928, Undset based this factual work on primary sources, her experiences living in Italy, and her profound understanding of the human heart. I'm interested now in reading her own words. AbeBooks.com: Catherine of Siena (9781586174088) by Undset, Sigrid and a great selection of similar New, Used and Collectible Books available now at great prices. Read this book and become knowledgeable about why Catherine of Siena is one of the greatest saints in the Catholic church and also take pleasure in immersing yourself into the writing of one of the greatest authors of the 20th century. She had her own devoted following of disciples wherever she went yet she herself and she demanded of her dicip. It is hard to make a timeline in your mind when the author tells her life more like a narrative. Start by marking “Catherine of Siena” as Want to Read: Error rating book. This is t. It's funny how a Norwegian drew so close to an Italian saint. Her characters are beautifully conveyed and move right into your life with ease. In one way, I couldn't put the book down, yet in another way some chapters were burning with such great emotion, I had to set the book down to let it sink in before going on. Cart All. I had no idea how many civil wars and rebellions there were and how the popes of the time were seen as the enemy. What is amazing about this biography is that though it has elements of a hagiography, it is detailed and reads like a work of realism. She had her own devoted following of disciples wherever she went yet she herself and she demanded of her diciples an ascetic existance that perhaps noe of us can even contemplate in todays time. With sensitivity to the zealous love of God and man that permeated the life of Saint Catherine, Undset presents a most moving and memorable portrait of one of the greatest women of all time. Known for her historical fiction, which won her the Nobel Prize for literature in 1928, Undset based this factual work on primary sources, her own experiences living in Italy, and her profound understanding of the human heart. 4 likes. Her humbleness is even more than that. Catherine of Siena; by Undset, Sigrid, 1882-1949. I was curious about the saint but am not a lover of hagiography, of which this is a good example. Undset’s portrait is unflinchingly that of a devotee, albeit a devotee who does acknowledge contemporary criticism of her subject. Sigrid Undset's Catherine of Siena is critically acclaimed as one of the best biographies of this well known, and amazing fourteenth-century saint. Publication date 1954 Topics Catherine, of Siena, Saint, 1347-1380 Publisher New York, Sheed and Ward Collection inlibrary; printdisabled; internetarchivebooks Digitizing sponsor Kahle/Austin Foundation Contributor Internet Archive Language English. This is easily one of the most captivating biographies I have ever read, not to mention highly engrossing for it's historical content. Contemporary hagiography of a fascinating woman told by a great writer. although I'm only in the first quarter of this book, I'm so thoroughly engrosed and delighted that I'm confident of a 5 star rating. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published Undset was a convert to Catholicism, and even became a Lay Dominican. If you're looking for a masterful biography that's also solid spiritual reading, this book is for you. The only comparison would be "Saint Francis" by Nikos Kazantzakis, though Catherine is non-fiction and Francis is listed as fiction. St. Catherine is an incredibly compelling figure with simple but powerful insight into Christian discipleship. Catherine of Siena was a particular favorite of Undset, who also was a Third Order Dominican. She accomplished much yet passed to be with our Lord at the tender age of 33. The intensity of her prayer, sacrifice, and service to the poor won her a reputation for holiness and wisdom, and she was called upon to make peace between warring nobles. In 2011, he wrote about our ubiquitous computer culture... Sigrid Undset's Catherine of Siena is critically acclaimed as one of the best biographies of this well known, and amazing fourteenth-century saint. Sigrid Undset details a beautifully written and recounted life of a Saint whose life was a reflection of the Fire of burning love for Christ and His Bridegroom the Church. I'll admit, this biography was difficult for me to follow at times simply because there are no dates and very few years included. If you are the sort of person who hugs books. Her life is like that saying, "live like today is your last day and tomorrow you will be meeting God." It’s written by Sigrid Undset, Nobel Prize winning author. I've never found a bio of Catherine of Siena that inspired me to love or even like her; I've loved her from the first moment she appeared on the pages here. Post #3 here. Highly recommended. I am already a fan of Madame Undset, having read the Kristin Lavransdatter trilogy more than once, as well as The Master of Hestviken series. Sigrid Undset's Catherine of Siena is critically acclaimed as one of the best biographies of this well-known and amazing fourteenth-century saint. Overall this wa. Repetitious. Account & Lists Account Returns & Orders. Take a read and your mind will be blown. The story of Cateherine of Siena would be a coompelling tale of a woman of faith in any era, but, set in the late medieval times when women of faith were expected to stay cloistered and perhaps to minister to the ailing this great Saint started there and then went on to influence the whole of Christendom through her council to Prelates, Popes and Politicians of all stripe. So we should follow our Knight and take new courage in our trials and difficulties.”, Famed Biographer Walter Isaacson on Gene Editing, Science, and Good Books. With sensitivity to the zealous love of God and man that permeated the life of Saint Catherine, Undset presents a most moving and memorable portrait of one of the greatest women of all time. Sigrid Undset’s Catherine of Siena is critically acclaimed as one of the best biographies of this well known, and amazing fourteenth-century saint. These factions were irreconcilable and often resulted in surprise attacks of mass butchery among those who hated his brother for his wrongness. Undset writes Catherine of Siena's biography as both an historian and a believer. Catherine of Siena by Sigrid Undset, 2nd Read, Post #4 This is the fourth post on the second read of Sigrid Unset’s Catherine of Siena. Those looking for a critical biography of Catherine of Siena should go elsewhere. In every class of the community there were good people who lived a quiet, modest and beautiful family life of purity and faith. He never abandons us and prayer and following Jesus is the answer! This is probably the best biography of Catherine that I have read (though I have yet to read Bl. To see what your friends thought of this book, It is a masterpiece ; full of wise insights, perfectly written, captivating and feminine. Sigrid Undset's Catherine of Siena is critically acclaimed as one of the best biographies of this well known, and amazing fourteenth-century saint. Sigrid Undset tackles this saint well, including many firsthand accounts of life and several quotes attributed to her. I had no idea how many civil wars and rebellions there were and how the popes of the time were seen as the enemy. It got tough reading Undset's old style hagiography of Catherine. Overall this was a good introductory biography to the saint. St. Catherine of Siena is a Saint we would all do well to model in her zeal for the goodness of God and her gentleness towards her faithful children who so lovingly called her "Mamma". Sigrid Undset's Catherine of Siena is critically acclaimed as one of the best biographies of this well known, and amazing fourteenth-century saint. Catherine Of Siena Sigrid Undset [EBOOKS] Catherine Of Siena Sigrid Undset Now, in the same way as you start to gate this ZIP catherine of siena sigrid undset, most likely you will think not quite what you can get Many things! It truly is great. 300 page book could have been told in 100. It may be that I want to see her through 21st century eyes, rather than 19th century eyes. October 1st 2009 It's hard to write a biography on a giant of faith like Catherine of Siena. Sigrid Undset's beautiful, spare prose gives us a living St. Catherine of Sienna, gripping our imagination and expanding the soul's comprehension of the mysterious works of God." Surely, a saint for our times. by Ignatius Press. Much could be said about this extraordinary and remarkable woman who didn't know how to write but influenced the popes of her time. The deeds and works of Catherine are incredible and inspiring. The deeds and works of Catherine are incredible and inspiring. Now you know. It’s written by Sigrid Undset, Nobel Prize winning author. However, it is also interesting that it was the small, frail, humble person of St. Catherine that could effectively intervene. They seem disconnected from everyday life. In addition to giving a remarkable telling of Catherine’s life, Undset also conveys compelling insights into history, particularly in relation to the Catholic Church. It's hard to write a biography on a giant of faith like Catherine of Siena. By Undset, Sigrid (Author) $38.95 AUD Sigrid Undset's Catherine of Siena is critically acclaimed as one of the best biographies of this well known, and amazing fourteenth-century saint. (5). Try Sigrid Undset's Catherine of Siena is acclaimed as one of the best biographies of this well known, and amazing fourteenth-century saint. Reading this book showed me how history does repeat itself but God is always with us and the Church. You can find Post #1 here. Another transition in her life now occurs, going … An extraordinarily active, intelligent, and courageous woman, Catherine at an early age devoted herself to the love of God. This is probably the best biography of a saint I have ever read, and no wonder. She doesn't try to explain them for a secular audience but accepts that God did wonderful things through his saints. Sigrid Undset’s Catherine of Siena is critically acclaimed as one of the best biographies of this well known, and amazing fourteenth-century saint. What is amazing about this biography is th. I'll admit, this biography was difficult for me to follow at times simply because there are no dates and very few years included. Sigrid Undset's Catherine of Siena is critically acclaimed as one of the best biographies of this well known, and amazing fourteenth-century saint. In a sense this book constitutes the famous Norwegian author's acknowledgment of the mystical beauty and profound truth she had come to find in the Catholic faith after her conversion. The story of Cateherine of Siena would be a coompelling tale of a woman of faith in any era, but, set in the late medieval times when women of faith were expected to stay cloistered and perhaps to minister to the ailing this great Saint started there and then went on to influence the whole of Christendom through her council to Prelates, Popes and Politicians of all stripe. Facinating read. This biography showed me I only had an outline of the life of this great saint. The well-to-do and the common people had to the best of their ability provided for the sick, the poor and the lonely with unstinted generosity. Known for her historical fiction, which won her the Nobel Prize for literature in 1928, Undset based this factual work on primary sources, her own experiences living in Italy, and her profound understanding of the human heart. Wow, such a well-written and resourced biography of this amazing women. Undset was a convert to Catholicism, and even became a Lay Dominican. As a whole, this is a biography written by a master of literary fiction. Post #2 here. Their exemplary lives left a deep impression upon the author, an impression Undset credited as one of her reasons for entering the Church in 1924. This is the second time through for me and enjoying more the second time. Much could be said about this extraordinary and remarkable woman who didn't know how to write but influenced the popes of her time. Account & Lists Account Returns & Orders. She fled Norway in 1940 because of her opposition to Nazi Germany and the German occupation, but returned after the end of World War II in 1945. Sigrid Undset tackles this saint well, including many firsthand accounts of life and several quotes attributed to her. Known for her historical fiction, which won her the Nobel Prize for literature in 1928, Undset based this factual work on primary sources, her own experiences living in Italy, and her profound understanding of the human heart. I agree with the jacket copy that this is the best biography of Catherine of Siena, a true mystic and Saint of Christ. Hello, Sign in. I chose this book more because of its writer than its subject. Be the first to ask a question about Catherine of Siena. A welcome reminder that grace is not cheap in any age. Known for her historical fiction, which won her the Nobel Prize for literature in 1928, Undset based this factual work on primary sources, her own experiences living in Italy, and her profound understanding of the human heart. With sensitivity to the zealous love of God and man that permeated the life of Saint Catherine, Undset tells the story of how prayer, sacrifice, and service to the poor won her a reputation for holiness and wisdom. As a whole, this is a biography written by a master of literary fiction. The intensity of her prayer, sacrifice, and service to the poor won her a reputation for holiness and wisdom, and she was called upon to make peace between warring nobles. Hello, Sign in. In 1924, she converted to Catholicism and became a lay Dominican. Sigrid Undset's Catherine of Siena is critically acclaimed as one of the best biographies of this well known, and amazing fourteenth-century saint. Known for her historical fiction, which won her the Nobel Prize for literature in 1928, Undset based this factual work on primary sources, her own experiences living in Italy, and her profound understanding of the human heart. So like Kristin Lavransdatter. 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