Donna Woolfolk Cross graduated cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from the
University of Pennsylvania in 1969 with a B.A. in English. She
moved to London, England, after graduation and worked as an
editorial assistant for a small publishing house on Fleet Street,
W.H. Allen and Company. Upon her return to the United States, Cross
worked at Young and Rubicam, a Madison Avenue advertising firm,
before going on to graduate school at UCLA where she earned a
master's degree in Literature and Writing in 1972.
In 1973, Cross moved to Syracuse, New York, with her husband and
began teaching in the English department at an upstate New York
college. She is the author of two books on language, Word Abuse and
Mediaspeak, and coauthor of Speaking of Words. The product of seven
years of research and writing, Pope Joan is her first novel. Cross
is at work on a new novel set in 17th century France.
“It is so gratifying to read about those rare heroes whose strength
of vision enables them to ignore the almost overpowering messages
of their own historical periods. . . . Pope Joan has all the
elements one wants: love, sex, violence, duplicity and long-buried
secrets. Cross has written an engaging book.” –Los Angeles Times
Book Review
“A fascinating and moving account of a woman’s determination to
learn, despite the opposition of family and society. Highly
recommended.”–Library Journal (starred review)
“Cross makes an excellent, entertaining case that in the Dark Ages,
a woman sat on the papal throne. . . . A colorful, richly imagined
novel.” –Publishers Weekly
“Pope Joan reveals the harsh realities of the Dark Ages. Violence
is rife in the government, church and home; logic and reason are
shunned as “dangerous ideas” and women are considered useful only
as men’s servants and child bearers. The novel explores the
extraordinary life of an independent, intelligent and courageous
woman who overcomes oppression and ascends to the highest level of
religious power. . . . Cross’ masterful use of anticipation, as
well as the sweeping historical landscape of the story, keep Pope
Joan intriguing. . . . An exciting journey through history as it’s
being made.”–San Francisco Chronicle
“Eloquently written and spellbinding in its account of this
legendary figure.” –Arizona Republic
“The life of an intelligent, headstrong woman in 9th-century
Europe, the kind of woman who might have dared such an adventure in
an era when obedience was a woman’s most admired trait. . . . Cross
succeeds admirably, grounding her fast-moving tale in a wealth of
rich historical detail.” –Orlando Sentinel
“A story of passion and faith–and a reminder that some things never
change, only the stage and players do.”–Fort Worth
Star-Telegram
“A remarkable woman uses her considerable intellect–and more than a
little luck–to rise from humble origins to become the only female
Pope, in this breakneck adventure.” –Kirkus Reviews
“A page-turner!” –Glamour
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