Autobiography and Other Writings

The Other Voice in Early Modern Europe: The Chicago Series

by Ana de San Bartolomé, Ana de San Bartolomé

Ana de San Bartolomé (1549–1626), a contemporary and close associate of St. Teresa of Ávila, typifies the curious blend of religious activism and spiritual forcefulness that characterized the first generation of Discalced, or reformed Carmelites. Known for their austerity and ethics, their convents quickly spread throughout Spain and, under Ana’s guidance, also to France and the Low Countries. Constantly embroiled in disputes with her male superiors, Ana quickly became the most vocal and visible of these mystical women and the most fearless of the guardians of the Carmelite Constitution, especially after Teresa’s death.

Her autobiography, clearly inseparable from her religious vocation, expresses the tensions and conflicts that often accompanied the lives of women whose relationship to the divine endowed them with an authority at odds with the temporary powers of church and state. Last translated into English in 1916, Ana’s writings give modern readers fascinating insights into the nature of monastic life during the highly charged religious and political climate of late-sixteenth- and early-seventeenth-century Spain.

Genres: Religion

167 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2008

Reviews

[Monica Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writings of Bl Anne of St Bartholomew are fine. My problem with the book is that it goes off on a feminist tangent in the introduction and it has minor mistakes here and there. Still, a small but good contribution to those who don't know Spanish or have access to the original works. The bibliography contains a number of unnecessary works if one wishes to focus on Bl Anne and/or the Reform.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps because I’m a medievalist who works a lot on female religious, I tend to have the most fun with the convent chronicles in this series. This autobiography is no exception. It’s vivid and lively and thus a nice and snappy read. The front matter is also quite good.

[Martha Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

European Religion/History. Ana de San Bartolome (1549-1626), a contemporary and close associate of St. Teresa of Avila, typifies the curious bled of religious activism adn spiritual forcefulness that characterized the first generation of Discalced, or reformed, Carmelites. Known for their austerity and ethics, thier converts quickly spread throughout Spain and, under Ana's guidance, also to France adn the Low Countries. Ana became one of the most vocal and visible of these mystical women and the most fearless of the guardians of the Carmelite Constitution. This is a wonderful book that will enrich your understanding of one aspect of the reformation.