The Life of Evelyn Underhill: An intimate portrait of the groundbreaking author of Mysticism

by Margaret Cropper, Dana Greene (Foreword)

Evelyn Underhill was a passionate writer and teacher who wrote elegantly on mysticism, worship, and devotional life, and urged the integration of personal spirituality and worldly action. This is the moving story of how she made her way toward spiritual maturity, from her early days of agnosticism to the years when her influence was felt throughout the world.

An early believer that contemplative prayer is not just for monks and nuns but for anyone willing to undertake it, Underhill considered the study of modern science not as a threat to contemplation but rather an enhancement of it. Her many lectures and writings on mysticism and spirituality, including her classic Mysticism: A Study in the Nature and Development of Man's Spiritual Consciousness, inspired the many people touched by her unique passion to take on a spiritual life.

Now back in print, The Life of Evelyn Underhill also includes a brief memoir by Lucy Menzies, close friend and confidant of Underhill.

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[Rea Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the true and profound story of a quiet(and uncanonized)19th and early 20th century Anglican "saint" who lived and wrote about the breadth of mystical experiences available to humankind. She was a spiritual mentor and guide, and remains one to many to this day, because of her groundbreaking identification and investigation of the mystical life. To me, she is a modern-day Theresa of Avila. I've read her books, but this biography of her life was illuminating.

[Antonio Gallo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The life of Evelyn Underhill—an English mystic, pacifist and writer—was an inspiring journey through words, faith, and peace. Embodying the core of her faith, Underhill created an intimate portrait of mysticism that explores the interconnectivity of reality and the soul.

Her works have been heavily influential in the understanding of mysticism, particularly in Christian mysticism. By looking at the abstract ideas of oneness and understanding of the divine, Underhill enabled her readers to grasp a greater understanding of the soul’s union with God.

Her writings build upon and expand on traditional Christian faith. In her writings, she touches on the emotions of the soul and how they are indivisible from spiritual matters. Her writing often transcends her faith to draw attention to the commonality of spirituality, even between religions.

Underhill wrote about various spiritual topics throughout her career, including topics such as meditation, prayer and contemplation. A major feature of her writing was her emphasis on lived experience, which made her works accessible and meaningful to a wider audience. Her openness to all spiritual paths and traditions was a celebrated attribute of her writing.

At the heart of Underhill’s work is the aim of emphasizing the importance of faith in everyday life. Her writings were meant to show how faith can open us up to the divine, to the mysteries of the soul, and to the beauty of the universe. Her works will continue to shape the way we discuss and practice spirituality for generations to come.