Although the theme of my suggested Book for May is a month late, it is well worth including. I present, 'The Story Of Saint George, The Life and Legend of England's Patron Saint' by Anthony Cooney.
This book is based on articles written by the Author that have appeared in the 'This England' magazine. The Author and his wife, Margaret, formed the 'St George‘s Day Association' in 1962.
The book aims to separate the mixture of the real, the legendary and the fairytale St George in a fascinating and compelling volume that is packed with history. Cooney advises that legend is not to be taken at face value or dismissed out of hand.
Commencing with the Martyrdom of George, George is in Nicodemia (modern Turkey). He tears down an edict by the Emperor Diocletian to render divine honours to him. George refused and remained steadfast under torture. He was finally condemned to death and beheaded on 23rd April, 303 AD.
The bogus 'St George' - George of Cappadocia is also considered. He was murdered in 362 AD.
In the Chapter entitled, 'The World Of Saint George', the reader is 'taken' to York Minster, to the foundations where can be found the remains of the Roman Basilica over which the Cathedral was built. It was in the Basilica that Constantine was proclaimed Emperor of the Roman World by the Legions of Britain in AD 306. The connection with Saint George, we are told, is that Constantine was in the service of Diocletian in 296 AD. George was Tribune of The Imperial Guard. Although there is no documentary evidence to support, it would be highly unlikely if they had not met.
The book goes on to suggest why the cult and fame of Saint George has spread. There is a profound quote that reads, 'We may say that George lost his head when all about him were saving theirs and, in return, received a crown'. Cooney is convinced of the answer to the initial question: 'George alone confessed the Name Of God whose heavenly grace infused such constancy into him, that he not only warned the tyrants, but was contemptuous of their torture'. He was courageous and noble. Patron Saint of Catalonia and Georgia, protector of those in peril from storm and tempest at sea. Saint too of Merchants. (Apparently, in Italy, the first Bank was formed by Merchants of Genoa and was called, 'The Bank of Saint George').
The tradition that St George was posted to York is explored and where it is suggested that George and Constantine renewed their friendship. George is likely, it is said, to have visited Glastonbury, if he considered Joseph of Arimathea to be among his forefathers. Links with King Arthur are also investigated.
Needless to say, Dragons have to come into the picture at some point! The Author cites German scholar, J. B. Aufauser, who points out that the legend of the dragons did not appear in writing before the l0th Century. It then appeared throughout Europe and the Middle East at about the same time.
If you are proud of Saint George and our English Heritage, this book is definitely for you. If you enjoy history, this book is for you too.
Well researched and formulated. Highly enjoyable and very readable. The Story Of Saint George by Anthony Cooney (published by 'This England', Cheltenham, Gloucestershire) £7.50.
written by Lynn Winter
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