Mediatrix examines the roles women played as patrons, dedicatees, and readers, as well as writers, in the English Renaissance, and the relationship between these literary activities and religious and political activism.
In post-Reformation England, the concept of monstrosity served dual meanings, representing both horrific anomalies and divine messages. Julie Crawford explores how Protestant reformers utilized narratives of monstrous births, along with vivid illustrations in popular pamphlets, to navigate the spiritual confusion and social upheaval of the era. This analysis highlights the interplay between religion and societal perceptions of the monstrous, revealing how these accounts shaped public understanding during a tumultuous period.
The narrative follows Julie Crawford's journey of self-discovery, blending her experiences as both an author and photographer. Through poetic reflections and encounters with nature, she explores her inner wilderness, seeking connections between mind, body, and soul. The book captures her transformative adventures and the serendipitous meetings with kindred spirits that shape her understanding of herself and the world around her.