Gerald Parsons Bücher

The book explores the deep-rooted devotion of the Sienese people to the Virgin Mary, tracing its origins to the thirteenth century. It highlights the significance of the Madonna in times of crisis, illustrating how the city has repeatedly rededicated itself to her. The narrative also delves into the cultural and religious importance of the Palio, a vibrant festival held twice a year, showcasing the intertwining of civic identity and spiritual devotion in Siena's history.

"Cover" -- "Half Title" -- "Title" -- "Copyright" -- "Contents" -- "Preface" -- "Introduction: the concept of civil religion" -- "Chapter 1 'Lest we forget': British and American rituals of remembrance as civil religion" -- "Chapter 2 Public monuments and private grief: war graves, war memorials and personal pilgrimage" -- "Chapter 3 'To heal a nation?' Civil religion and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial" -- "Chapter 4 'Dedicated to the Virgin': civil religion and Sienese devotion to the Madonna" -- "Chapter 5 'Unity in diversity': civil religion and the Palio of Siena" -- "Chapter 6 Images of civic devotion: Palio drappelloni and Sienese civil religion" -- "Chapter 7 'Sacred and profane': popular rituals in Sienese civil religion" -- "Conclusion: civil religion reconsidered" -- "Glossary of Sienese words