Read any GOOD books lately?

The Hill Freeman Library and Spruill Learning Center is delighted to announce that the newest book in our collection is The Cult of St. George in Medieval England by Reinhardt College's own professor of History and History Program Coordinator Dr. Jonathan Good.

The book examines how St. George became accepted as the patron saint of England. St. George was not an Englishman, nor is his principal shrine in England. He may never have set foot there. There is some doubt as to whether he even existed, but if he did, he was most likely a Christian marytr in the Eastern Roman Empire during the third or early fourth centuries. Yet during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, he became a national symbol for England, and he remains one to this day.

Dr. Good's book explores the medieval cult of St. George and its role in English nationalism, and how St. George, as a symbol of the crusading knight, was appropriated by English royalty and nobility. Dr. Good also examines the reasons for St. George's enduring role as England's patron, and how the saint even seems to be enjoying a resurgence in popular opinion.

Dr. Good, for his part, says he's very pleased to see The Cult of St. George in print.

"[The book] is based on my dissertation [at the University of Minnesota in 2004],but I did some serious revisions before submitting it to the publisher. The Boydell Press was great to work with and I think they did a wonderful job with the book," Dr. Good says. "I do wish it didn't cost so much, but I have some discount forms if anyone is interested!"

You can find The Cult of St. George [DA 175.G65 2009] in our "New Books" section on the second floor of the library.