Holy foolishness and gender transgression in Russian hagiography from the Middle Ages to Modernity

Mayhew, N. (2023) Holy foolishness and gender transgression in Russian hagiography from the Middle Ages to Modernity. In: Torres Prieto, S. and Franklin, A. (eds.) Medieval Rus' and Early Modern Russia: Texts and Contexts. Routledge, pp. 49-66. ISBN 9781032187853

Abstract

This chapter explores the history of the hagiographical sub-genre of the holy fool in medieval Rus’ and early modern Russia from the perspective of gender. It focuses on gender performances in three of the most renowned holy fool hagiographies: beginning with Andrew the Fool around the 12th century; proceeding through Feodor/a of Alexandria in the 16th century; and ending with Andrei/Kseniia of St. Petersburg in the early 19th century. The chapter speaks to the literary history of hagiography through gender, and to the history of gender through hagiography, asking what one historical context (gender) can tell us about a specific textual tradition (holy fool hagiographies) and vice versa.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Mayhew, Dr Nick
• Authors: Mayhew, N.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Modern Languages and Cultures
• Publisher: Routledge
• ISBN: 9781032187853

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