Back in the Middle Ages, the Golden Legend was the must-read sensation that swept across every noble court and humble village alike.
Back in the Middle Ages, the Golden Legend was the must-read sensation that swept across every noble court and humble village alike. Depicting the lives of the saints through an enchanting mix of fact and fiction, The Golden Legend offered tales of miracles, martyrdoms, and divine adventures that left readers spellbound.
Compiled around 1260 by Jacobus de Voragine, this literary phenomenon became the medieval best-seller, second only to the Bible in popularity. By the 15th century, it was one of the first books to be printed by Johannes Gutenberg, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of medieval literature. Its influence extended into art, inspiring countless paintings and sculptures, and shaping the collective consciousness of mediaeval Europe.