This hagiographical work recounts the life of Othmar, the first abbot of the Abbey of St. Gall. It describes his leadership, his imprisonment and death, and the miracles later attributed to him.
Who is this book for?
Although only 12 pages long in English translation, this saint’s life offers a concise but engaging account of Othmar, the first abbot of the Abbey of St. Gall. Othmar, who lived from about 689 to about 759 in what is now Switzerland, is portrayed as a pious leader devoted to helping the poor. The text then turns to his downfall, as he becomes the unjust target of local rulers, is imprisoned despite his innocence, and dies in captivity.
The work does not end with his death. It goes on to relate ten miracle stories attributed to Othmar, including one in which he restores a man’s hearing. Because the Abbey of St. Gall is such an important medieval monastery, this text will be especially valuable to those interested in its history. More broadly, it stands as a useful example of medieval hagiography.
The Author
D.P. Curtin is the main force behind The Scriptorium Project, which has translated dozens of shorter texts from the Middle Ages, most of which deal with Christianity.
The Life of St. Othmar
By Walafrid Strabo
Translated by D.P. Curtin
Dalcassian Press
ISBN: 979-8-3482-6637-0
This hagiographical work recounts the life of Othmar, the first abbot of the Abbey of St. Gall. It describes his leadership, his imprisonment and death, and the miracles later attributed to him.
Who is this book for?
Although only 12 pages long in English translation, this saint’s life offers a concise but engaging account of Othmar, the first abbot of the Abbey of St. Gall. Othmar, who lived from about 689 to about 759 in what is now Switzerland, is portrayed as a pious leader devoted to helping the poor. The text then turns to his downfall, as he becomes the unjust target of local rulers, is imprisoned despite his innocence, and dies in captivity.
The work does not end with his death. It goes on to relate ten miracle stories attributed to Othmar, including one in which he restores a man’s hearing. Because the Abbey of St. Gall is such an important medieval monastery, this text will be especially valuable to those interested in its history. More broadly, it stands as a useful example of medieval hagiography.
The Author
D.P. Curtin is the main force behind The Scriptorium Project, which has translated dozens of shorter texts from the Middle Ages, most of which deal with Christianity.
You can learn more about this book from the The Scriptorium Project website.
You can buy this book on Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
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