Silver Cross

"Silver Cross" by Mary Johnston is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set during the reign of Henry VII, the story unfolds in the towns surrounding the Abbey of Silver Cross, exploring themes of faith, ambition, and the struggle for prestige between rival religious institutions. The narrative hints at conflicts arising from the rising fame of Saint Leofric and his miracles, which threaten the standing of the Abbey of Silver Cross and its Abbot Mark. The opening of the novel introduces the setting—Middle Forest and its castle, as well as the nearby Abbey of Silver Cross. It describes the existing harmony between the Abbey and the local power structure, which is disturbed by the emergence of Prior Hugh and the miracles associated with Saint Leofric. We meet Morgen Fay, a captivating woman tied to the local elite, revealing her inner turmoil and longing for something more in life. The tensions between the two religious factions foreshadow a struggle for influence, with characters contemplating their desires and loyalties against the backdrop of a changing society. This initial chapter sets the tone for a story rich in character complexity and historical depth, appealing to readers interested in medieval themes of faith and rivalry. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Mary Johnston was an American novelist and women's rights advocate from Virginia. She was one of America's best selling authors during her writing career and had three silent films adapted from her novels. Johnston was also an active member of the Equal Suffrage League of Virginia, using her writing skills and notability to draw attention to the cause of women's suffrage in Virginia.