One of medieval mysticism's most strikingly original works, this book was written by a 14th-century anchoress whose fervent prayers triggered a series of divine visions that revealed the intensity of Christ's sufferings. The holy woman's message of God's love — expressed in immediate, compelling terms — continues to influence modern Christian thought. This edition features both the short text and a later, more complex rendering as well as a new Foreword by Kaya Oakes, the author of Radical Reinvention.
The 14th-century author of this book was a recluse and spiritual counselor who dwelt at the Church of St. Julian in Norwich, England. She briefly chronicled her visions of Christ's suffering and love immediately after their occurrence and expanded her writings some 20 to 30 years later. Considered a saint in the Anglican Church, she has not been canonized in the Roman Catholic Church, although she is revered as a holy woman.