“…The ten hagiographic texts presented here were selected for two main reasons: firstly, they serve as examples of accomplished works of Latin literature from a sparsely documented period usually considered Italy's Dark Ages; secondly, the introductions to each Life/Passion attempt to establish these biographies as historical sources for the period by considering their configuration of history, their more earthly
claims for jurisdiction or authority, and philological clues in the texts that help date their composition and the contemporary concerns of their audiences. …”
Tallennettuna: