St George: Hero, Martyr and Myth

By Samantha Riches

Book Overview

Who was St. George and how did he become patron saint not only of England but in many European countries?
Samantha Riches explores the extraordinary wealth of myths and legends, art and inspiration that has grown up around this obscure fourth-century Christian martyr.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1803999241
• ISBN13: 9781803999241
• Release Date: June 2025
• Publisher: History Press
• Length: 264 Pages
• Weight: 1.27 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Thoroughly researched, beautifully presented - a quality book

There's no doubt that this is the best resource for those wishing to know about the real man behind the mythic figure of St George. Samantha Riches, an extremely able scholar whose breadth of research into this area is almost staggering, has produced what may well be the definitive work on the subject of St George. Beautifully illustrated with lavish illustrations of mediaeval and later depictions of St George, showing the various aspects of the St George cult/myth, this hardcover edition is a treat to read through and look at. Ms Riches covers the separate elements of the St George myth in detail: the tortures (which strike us today as sado-masochistic and horrible, but probably were intended and taken by the mediaevals as reminders of Christian patience under suffering); the association of St George with the princess and dragon; the depiction of St George as the chivalrous and probably chaste knight of the Virgin; the legend of St George having been resurrected; and so on. The fascinating association of St George with England is traced in thorough and very readable detail, as well as the tendency of various countries, cities and towns to claim St George as peculiarly their own. Occasionally the writing slipped into a little too much of the passive mode, but overall it was a delight to read, and highly informative. Very highly recommended.