Perpetua's Journey
is a graphic history set in Roman Africa in 203 CE that examines issues of power, gender, and religion in the ancient world through the story of the Christian martyr Perpetua. The Passio Sanctarum Perpetuae et Felicitatis, better known as The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity, is the first known prose narrative written by a woman. It is also the first known piece of writing we have from a Christian woman. It is the story of a young mother, Vibia Perpetua, who lived in Roman Africa and, at the age of twenty-two, chose to proclaim publically her Christian faith. She died as a result of her actions. She did not die alone; she was part of a group of Christians martyrs, including several slaves, who were placed in prison and then sentenced to die on March 7 in the year 203 CE. Perpetua's diary contains Perpetua's account of the events in the days leading up to her martyrdom. Perpetua's Journey is a graphic history that occupies a space between the many works designed primarily for specialists and advanced scholars who already know a great deal about Perpetua and the history of the Roman Empire, and more popular projects about the lives of saints. Perpetua's Journey is unique because it contains both a graphic portion and historical and social commentary on the Passio. Because the events recorded in the Passio take place during a time period in which we possess information about the history of the Roman Empire and everyday peoples' lives, the graphic part of this work strives for an authentic and realistic portrayal of events that happened to the persons in the diary.
Industry Reviews
"This book is groundbreaking and innovative. Jennifer A. Rea and Liz Clarke combine first-rate historical scholarship with stunning graphics in order to cast new light on Perpetua's journey. This contemporary graphic novel captures the essence of ancient martyr as super-heroine, remaining true to the original author's intent while challenging modern interpreters."--Jonathan Reed, University of La Verne
"Perpetua's Journey represents a fresh approach to the study of the Passio Perpetuae et Felicitatis by including graphic art alongside critical commentary, it offers modern readers a new experience of the text."--L. Stephanie Cobb, University of Richmond
"Comprehensive, innovative, and engaging, Perpetua's Journey is notable above all for the immediacy and interest of its graphic content. The book will open up study of the Passio to a broader range of readers than ever before, fostering a more active, serious, and sustained engagement with this singular document and its historical context."--Thomas McGinn, Vanderbilt University
"Perpetua's Journey is a timely and impressive work of scholarship and creativity. The introduction, translation, and other supporting materials are detailed, accessible, and balanced, and the graphic representation brings an immediacy-and a new set of questions-to one of antiquity's most fascinating survivals."--Jessica Clark, Florida State University
"This engaging book presents students with a new and bold interpretation of the Passio Perpetuae et Felicitatis, a text that has both inspired and troubled readers for generations. Its use of the graphic medium does far more than illustrate the story--it provides an aesthetic interpretation of Perpetua's world and brings vividness to the thoughts and actions of a courageous group of Carthaginian Christians. Perpetua's Journey offers much of interest to those familiar with the text, and opens up to new audiences a work that, in modern times, has been largely the hidden delight of scholars."--Isabel Moreira, University of Utah
"This is a terrific new resource for stimulating minds and bringing the past vividly to life. The Passio Perpetuae et Felicitatis is already an amazing story; in the hands of Rea and Clarke, this new edition brings the past to life for a new generation of readers."--Nicola Denzey-Lewis, Brown University
