A Pilgrimage to Eternity: From Canterbury to Rome in Search of a Faith

Timothy Egan recounts his hike across the Via Francigena, a medieval trail stretching from Canterbury, England, to the Vatican. Along this thousand-mile path through France and Switzerland, Egan examines the historical decline of Christianity in Europe alongside his own family’s religious heritage. He investigates the rise of secularism, the relics of saints, and the institutional scandals of the Catholic Church. The narrative focuses on specific encounters with monks, skeptics, and historical sites, balancing the physical demands of the trek with an interrogation of miracles and dogma.

This book serves readers interested in the intersection of personal memoir and European history. It appeals to those questioning organized religion who still seek a connection to ancient traditions or spiritual discipline. Readers gain a detailed perspective on the geography of the Via Francigena and a nuanced understanding of how faith persists in a modern, cynical age. It provides a look at how history shapes current beliefs, offering a grounded perspective for anyone contemplating their own relationship with the church.