Medieval Writings on Female Spirituality

by Elizabeth Spearing (Editor)

Biographies, poetic compositions, works that are mystical, prophetic, visionary, or meditative: the selections here reflect the developments in medieval piety, particularly in the link between female spirituality and the body. Included are the dramatic visionary writings of Hildegard of Bingen; letters and poems by Hadewijch expressing passionate love for God; and Marguerite Porete's allegorical poem "The Mirror of Simple Souls," a dialogue between Love and Soul that was condemned as heretical. Also included are biographies written by male ecclesiastics of women such as Christine the Astonishing, whose extraordinary behavior included being resurrected at her own funeral; revelations received by Bridget of Sweden, the first woman to found a religious order; and excerpts from The Book of Margery Kempe , in which Margery imagines herself as a servant caring for the Virgin Mary in her childhood.

This volume, edited by Elizabeth Spearing, who also prepared some of the translations, features a rich introduction to the lives and religious experiences of its subjects, as well as full explanatory notes.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

Genres: Medieval, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Theology, Religion, Philosophy, History

320 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2002

Reviews

[Amanda J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains the actualy writings of medieval women as well as biographies of medieval women written by male ecclesiastics.

I used this book for research during undergrad and it includes explanatory notes.

[ilsa · Rating 2 out of 5]

These women were schizophrenic and no one can convince me otherwise 💀
Had to read this for a class and they are not okay. Of course youre gonna have “revelations” and be able to “talk to God” when you’re starving yourself to the point where you actually pass out. Its called hallucination babe. If you wanna see something so bad your brain will make you see it. Yes you might be good people who helped others but whats with calling yourself God’s wife. Madam are you crazy? Isn’t that blasphemy?
Reading these original writings were frustrating nonetheless. They should be studied by the psychology department and not theology.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was required reading for a class. I found it to be very, very interesting and entertaining.