My name is Ron Ganze, and I am currently a part-time faculty member in
the department of English at California State University, Long Beach.
In the fall, I will be entering a graduate program in Medieval Studies
in the U.K. My primary interest up to now has been the close relation
between religion and literature in the medieval period--how the
literature either supports the reigning order or acts as a voice of
dissent. I am particularly interested in the reasons for dissent and in
listening to the dissenting voices (the typical cycnical, postmodern
attitude, I suppose).
What I am looking for right now, if anyone can help me, is a good work
on pilgrimages and on relic cults--specifically, I want to find
something that takes a close look at the financial end of the whole
thing. Who pockets were being filled, and can we subscribe any
motivations to these people? How many of the clergy were knowingly
selling "piggy's bones," as Chaucer implies, and how many really
believed in what they were doing?
Also, I inquired weeks ago (without introducing myself, which is perhaps
why I received no reply) asking if there were anything available
approximating a comprehensive list of what relics were and are said to
exist and where they are housed. I've searched through ORB, Labyrinth,
and The Voice of the Shuttle, but to no avail.
Thanks,
Ron Ganze
C.S.U. Long Beach
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