The Magdalene Legacy
Laurence Gardner
From medieval times, through the Renaissance and down to the present day, Mary Magdalene has been among the most painted and sculpted of all classical figures. Artists have adored her and churches have been consecrated to her but, for all that, she has been constantly vilified by the Christian religious establishment. In the New Testament Gospels, Mary is given as Jesus¹ companion, his financial sponsor, and a woman that he loved. Church doctrine, however, claims her to have been a sinful harlot, albeit a repentant sinner who was finally admitted to the sainthood as late as 1969.
Legacy of the Magdalene follows the life of Mary as it has been portrayed in the world of fine art, while also investigating why so many of her depictions are of non-biblical events. In this regard, we find evidence of Magdalene passages deleted from the original Gospels before they were approved for New Testament inclusion in the 4th century. Additionally, much is learned from other Gospels that were omitted entirely from the canonical selection. The story that emerges is one of Mary¹s nuptial relationship with Jesus, her subsequent exile from Judaea, and the persecution of her heirs by a succession of Roman emperors.
Book Details:
- Author: Laurence Gardner
- Published Year: 2005
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Rights Sold
- UK: Harper Collins
- US: Harper Collins
- Italy: Newton & Compton
- Portuguese: Madras Editora
- Poland: Wydawnictwo Amber
- France: Guy Tredaniel
- Holland: Uitgeversmaatschappij Tirion
- Norway: Bazar Forlag
- Sweden: Bazar Forlag
- Denmark: Bazar Forlag
- Finland: Bazar Forlag
- Bulgaria: Hermes
- Japan: Seiryu Publishing
- Hungary: Gold Book
- Czechoslovakia: Eminent
- Germany: Verlagsgruppe Luebbe
- Greek: Esoptron Publishers
- Estonia: Olion
- Spain: Ediciones Obelisco
- Serbia: Ip Sezam
- China: North Art
- Romania: RAO
- Turkey: Alfa Yayinevi
Laurence Gardner
Laurence Gardner, who sadly died in August 2010, was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and a Knight Templar, holding a number of chivalric offices in Western and Central Europe. Best known as a revisionist and constitutional historian, Laurence was a regular transatlantic broadcaster giving lecture presentations around the world in centres such as London, Edinburgh, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, New York, Seattle, Los Angeles and Sydney.Formerly Conservation Consultant to the Fine Art Trade Guild, his libretto compositions have been performed at London’s Royal Opera House...
More about Laurence Gardner
Book Reviews
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"An explosive historical detective story, presenting secret archives on the mysterious life of Mary Magdalene and the real hidden lineage of Jesus."
The Sunday Times -
"This brilliant new work, pieces together that Mary Magdalene was an integral part of the fledgling Nazarene Christian movement. These revelations have huge implications."
Nexus Magazine -
"Best selling author and scholar Laurence Gardner reveals little known facts on Mary Magdalene's importance in medieval Europe and why the Church worked so hard to slander her name."
New Dawn -
"Gardner is back with smoking gun. Proof about what really happened during the life of Christ and after."
Unknown Country Radio -
"Laurence Gardner is a mastermind of unravelling mysteries, revealing many furtive truths in his books."
Female First UK