The Cambridge Companion to Medieval English Mysticism by Samuel Fanous

The Cambridge Companion to Medieval English Mysticism by Samuel Fanous

The widespread view that 'mystical' activity in the Middle Ages was a rarefied enterprise of a privileged spiritual elite has led to isolation of the medieval 'mystics' into a separate, narrowly defined category. Taking the opposite view, this book shows how individual mystical experience, such as those recorded by Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe, is rooted in, nourished and framed by the richly distinctive spiritual contexts of the period. Arranged by sections corresponding to historical developments, it explores the primary vernacular texts, their authors, and the contexts that formed the expression and exploration of mystical experiences in medieval England. This is an excellent, insightful introduction to medieval English mystical texts, their authors, readers and communities. Featuring a guide to further reading and a chronology, the Companion offers an accessible overview for students of literature, history and theology.

'The reader is left with a clear sense of both the historical development and sheer mass of spiritual writing and thought in medieval EnglandSeasoned scholars will learn a good deal from this collection, but it will also make an excellent classroom text.' Choice

Samuel Fanous is Head of Publications at the Bodleian Library, University of Oxford. Vincent Gillespie is J. R. R. Tolkien Professor of English Literature and Language at the University of Oxford.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780521618649
ISBN 10	0521618649
Title	The Cambridge Companion to Medieval English Mysticism
Author	Samuel Fanous
Series	Cambridge Companions To Literature
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Cambridge University Press
Year published	2011-05-12
Number of pages	340
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.