ABSTRACT
St. Catherine of Alexandria was the most popular female saint in medieval Europe (apart from the Virgin Mary). Evidence for the nature of her appeal and function of her cult is found in a variety of different kinds of evidence. She was valued as an intercessor but also as an exemplar, especially for women. Female devotees seem to have identified with aspects of her legend, including her learning and intelligence, which could provide authorisation for their own activities as book owners and readers.
