December Scholar Series
2023 Scholar Series – Mary Joan Leith
Religious Studies Professor Mary Joan Leith will close out the 2023 Scholar Series with a discussion of her latest book The Virgin Mary: A Very Short Introduction. That volume, published by Cambridge University Press, sprang directly from Prof. Leith’s work in the classroom, specifically her desire to find an inexpensive textbook for her class on the Virgin Mary (RST 303).
“There were other inexpensive paperbacks about the Virgin, but it seemed that they were all written from a faith perspective (from both liberal and conservative Catholic perspectives), whereas I wanted to cover a broader field by looking also at things like archaeology and art, Orthodox Christianity, the Virgin Mary in Islam, and the Virgin’s place in the New Age Goddess Movement,” Prof. Leith explained. “In my research I also learned that many LGBTQ persons have also found their way to the Virgin.”
According to experts, she met those objectives. "The book, like other volumes in The Very Short Introduction series, is interdisciplinary and focuses on providing a broad, and detailed scholarly, yet accessible background to the Virgin Mary. This the author accomplishes, engagingly and comprehensively,” wrote Sheryl A. Kujawa-Holbrook, a priest of the Episcopal diocese of Los Angeles when reviewing Prof. Leith’s book for the Magazine of the Society of Mary.
While Leith's approach here is not devotional, her respect for her subject and devotees is apparent. The book is both detailed and informative and provides technical background helpful to teaching and preaching on Mary," the review concludes.
Prof. Leith noted that her students’ involvement was an integral part of the book’s development.
“I was able to “workshop” the book with my Virgin Mary class while it was in manuscript form, so Stonehill played an active role in its composition!”
Prof. Leith joined Stonehill in 1993. Her research focuses on The Virgin Mary, early Chirstian art and archaeology, and the archeology and history of Israel in the Persian period.
Prof. Leith’s talk will take place from 3:30-4:30 on Thursday, Dec. 14 in the South End of MacPhaidin Library’s first floor. Wine and cheese will be served, and all are invited to attend.
The Library’s Scholar Series is brought to the community by MacPhaidin Library and Stonehill College’s Office of Academic Affairs with special thanks to Rev. Kevin P. Spicer, C.S.C.
Keep an eye on future newsletters and the library’s social media streams for information about dates and speakers for the 2024 Scholar Series.