The Cambridge Companion to Medieval English Mysticism

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.

Preface; Chronology; 1. Introduction Nicholas Watson; 2. c.1080–1215: culture and history Brian Patrick McGuire; 3. c.1080–1215: texts Henrietta Leyser; 4. 1215–1349: culture and history Alastair Minnis; 5. 1215–1349: texts Denis Renevey; 6. 1349–1412: culture and history Jeremy Catto; 7. 1349–1412: texts Roger Ellis and Samuel Fanous; 8. 1412–1534: culture and history Vincent Gillespie; 9. 1412–1534: texts Barry Windeatt; 10. 1534–1550s: contexts James P. Carley and Ann M. Hutchison; 11. 1534–50: texts James Simpson; Guide to further reading; Glossary of theological terms; Index.

This 2011 book 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.

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.