St George
Let's Hear it For England!
📘 About This Book
Pope Gelasius, who canonized St George in 494, described him as one of those 'whose names are rightly reverenced among us, but whose actions are known only to God.' The story of England's Patron Saint is so encased in myth and legend that the truth of his remarkable life is unknown to the great majority of us. In many ways the attitude of the English, reflects the many contradictions in the story of St George and the growth of his legend worldwide. A Christian martyr, murdered by a Roman emperor in Palestine, he is a legendary dragon-slayer who saved a virgin princess from sacrifice - but not before insisting her entire town converts to Christianity. Yet he is also the model for mythical Islamic hero Al Khidr. He is the Patron Saint of England but never set foot on English soil and the legend of his knightly deeds came from the imagination of a bishop in Italy. In recent years, through national pride more than religious fervour, the popularity of St George's Day has risen sharply, with more parades, parties and pub get-togethers than we saw in the latter half of the twentieth century.
📖 Summary
Alison Maloney's 2010 historical work, St George, delves deeply into the fascinating, mysterious, and often contradictory life and legacy of England's patron saint. Clocking in at 170 pages, the book tackles the enormous gap between historical reality and the rich tapestry of myth that has surrounded the figure for centuries. As Pope Gelasius noted when canonizing him way back in 494, St George is among those whose names are rightly reverenced, yet whose actual earthly actions remain known only to God. This sentiment sets the tone for Maloney's exploration, guiding readers through the complex journey of a Christian martyr who was ultimately murdered by a Roman emperor in Palestine, yet somehow transformed into the iconic, legendary dragon-slayer of Western folklore. One of the most compelling aspects highlighted in the book is the sheer paradox of St George's identity. Despite being fiercely claimed as England's patron saint, the historical man never even set foot on English soil. Furthermore, his narrative stretches far beyond English borders, reflecting deep global contradictions and cross-cultural adaptations. In the famous legend, he saves a virgin princess from a terrifying sacrifice, but not before leveraging the rescue to demand that her entire town convert to Christianity. Yet, the layers of his persona do not stop at Christian martyrdom and chivalric myth. Remarkably, he also serves as the direct model for the mythical Islamic hero Al Khidr, demonstrating how a single historical figure can bridge vast religious and cultural divides across the globe. Maloney examines how the contemporary attitude of the English people mirrors these very contradictions, tracing how a man executed in antiquity evolved into a universal symbol of bravery, faith, and national identity. By peeling back layers of folklore, the book invites readers to look past the fire-breathing dragons and medieval pomp to discover the elusive origins of a global icon. It offers a concise yet engaging historical exploration, making complex centuries-old religious and national traditions accessible to modern readers who are curious about the true story behind the red cross flag and the timeless legends of heroism.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Provides a fascinating look into the real history versus the myths of a major cultural figure.
Explores the surprising cross-cultural connections between Christianity and Islam regarding the saint.
Written in an accessible and engaging style suited for general history enthusiasts.
Offers concise storytelling within a manageable length of 170 pages.
⚠️ Cons
The scarcity of hard historical facts means some aspects of the narrative remain speculative.
May be too brief for readers looking for an exhaustive academic text on the subject.
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of St George? +
The book was written by Alison Maloney.
When was St George published? +
It was published in 2010.
How many pages are in the book? +
The book contains 170 pages.
Did St George ever visit England? +
No, despite being the patron saint of England, he never set foot on English soil.
Who canonized St George and when? +
He was canonized by Pope Gelasius in the year 494.
