DEBRA HIGGS STRICKLAND

"Strickland has done an outstanding job of synthesizing the earlier literature, grounding it historically, and introducing fresh observations and ideas. She draws on a great range of primary and secondary sources to produce a study that will be useful not only to art historians but to scholars in medieval history, literature, and religion."--Anne Derbes, author of "Picturing the Passion in Late Medieval Italy" "This book presents a multidimensional view of medieval social rejection as depicted in varied embodiments of 'the monstrous' in medieval art and iconography. The way that Strickland reads her images is refreshing. Historically well informed, she connects her selection of images to the actual problems confronting many historians in today's multicultural world. Scholars, teachers, and students will take to her reader-friendly prose. And that near-mythical creature--the general reader--will be attracted by the freak show--like, even underworld appeal of this book's evil creatures."--Gary Dickson, author of "Religious Enthusiasm in the Medieval West"