A fantastic legend obviously mirroring the story of Oedipus, the Life of Judas the Betrayer tells the tale of Judas from the foretelling of his wickedness in a dream his mother had before she conceived to his betrayal of Jesus and his suicide. This medieval tale, became very popular in folk traditions and made its way throughout the whole of medieval Europe, but finds no resonance in church writers or artists. Professor Baum provides the reader with an in depth study not only of the work itself but of its various recensions, demonstrating his exceptional text and literary critical skills, and providing a complete picture of the life of this story. As a supplement to this work Professor Baum’s article on the English ballad of Judas Iscariot is also included.

Paul Franklin Baum (1886-1964) was a renowned scholar of English verse specializing in the medieval and Victorian eras. Educated at Hamilton College and Harvard University, Baum also studied abroad at the universities of Munich, Vienna, Lausanne and the Sorbonne. He was an authority on such writers as Chaucer, Rossetti, Tennyson and Matthew Arnold. Among his notable works are his Tennyson Sixty Years After and Ten Studies in the Poetry of Matthew Arnold. Professionally, Dr. Baum served the Duke University community from 1922 till 1955 and was fundamental in founding the Graduate School and improving the Library’s collections. He also served for a time as the Editorial Director of the university’s press. In honor of his many contributions Dr. Baum was among the original group to be named a James B. Duke Professor, the school’s highest rank.