This volume investigates the historical significance and hagiographic legacy of Christina of Markyate, a twelfth-century English anchoress. The contributors, led by editors Henrietta Leyser and Samuel Fanous, synthesize diverse strands of medieval scholarship to reconstruct the life of this influential religious figure. By examining both the primary source material and the broader cultural context of the period, the authors present a multifaceted argument regarding the intersection of female piety, monastic politics, and literary tradition in the Middle Ages.

Scholars and historians frequently cite this collection as a foundational resource for understanding the life and influence of Christina of Markyate. The text is noted for its balance between accessible introductory material and rigorous academic analysis, making it a standard reference for those studying medieval hagiography.