Robert A. Scott, a sociologist, was for 18 years the deputy director of the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University. Among other books, he is the author of The Gothic Enterprise: A Guide to Understanding the Medieval Cathedral (UC Press).

• List of Illustrations Acknowledgments Prologue Part One / Appealing to Saints for Miracles 1. Life in the Middle Ages 2. Saints 3. Apparitions 4. Pilgrimage and Shrines Part Two / Saints and Healing 5. Disease 6. The Role of Stress in Illness 7. Belief, Hope, and Healing 8. Framing, Confessing, Self-Efficacy, and Healing Coda Appendix: Accounts of Miracles at Medieval Shrines Notes Bibliography Index

"An intellectually fascinating book, Scott's treatment will be eye-opening for students of history, theology, and human nature." Library Journal "Refreshing ... objective and scholarly... Fascinating it its depth, thoroughness, and detailed accounts of medieval life, the book is a good read." Science (AAAS) "Erudite and engaging." Times News (Lehighton, Pa) "The author carefully weaves detailed textual and historiographic work with the latest social scientific findings... extremely valuable... It represents a sophisticated integration of historical analysis of religious practice with the latest findings in medicine and the social sciences. Readers at all levels should enjoy this engaging but sophisticated book." Choice "Engaging, compassionate book." -- Teresa Malcom National Catholic Reporter