In 'Sanctity and Pornography,' saints and centerfolds appear side by side medieval narratives and illuminations share the page with modern short stories, photography and film. The book, which Howie co-wrote with William Burgwinkle of the University of Cambridge, examines the physical intensity of 'sacred bodies.' It uses images and accounts of pain and pleasure, bodily exposure and concealment to explore the links between medieval devotion and contemporary eroticism. The images of saints in medieval Europe bear an uncanny resemblance to modern pornographic images, says Cary Howie, assistant professor of Romance studies and director of Cornell's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Studies Program, in his new book, 'Sanctity and Pornography in Medieval Culture: On the Verge' (Manchester University Press).
