English Medieval Mystics

This is part of a series of critical introductions to key literary and cultural topics from Old English to the late 17th century. Volumes draw on original research and are sensitive to current critical concerns. The series is designed particularly to meet the needs of students and the general reader.;This introductory volume studies mystical writing on a literary and theological level making it accessible to a wider audience. An introductory chapter examines the cultural and religious influences of the style. The remaining chapters examine the five major mystical writers individually and in greater depth.;Mystical writing is increasingly important to a variety of subjects from medieval literary and historical studies, to women's studies. This volume covers the five key authors in this area: Rolle, Hilton, Julian of Norwich, Margery Kempe and the anonymous author of The Cloud of Unknowing.