Medieval Writings on Female Spirituality

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This wide-ranging collection of writings by and about religious women presents some of the most compelling literature of the Middle Ages: works that are mystical, prophetic, visionary, or meditative. Among the selections are the dramatic visionary writings of Hildegard of Bingen; Marguerite Porete's allegorical "The Mirror of Simple Souls," which was condemned as heretical; biographies written by male ecclesiastics of women such as Christine the Astonishing, whose extraordinary behavior include being resurrected at her own funeral; and excerpts from "The Book of Margery Kempe," in which Margery recounts her intense physical and spiritual experiences of religious devotion. This volume, edited by Elizabeth Spearing, who also prepared many of the translations, features a rich introduction to the lives of its subjects, as well as full explanatory notes. - back of the book