Julian's Gospel: Illuminating the Life and Revelations of Julian of Norwich

by Veronica Mary Rolf

Overview

This fascinating study of the life and work of Julian of Norwich, the 14th century English mystic, whose Revelations is among the most popular and influential works of Christian mysticism, is the first book to combine an historical reconstruction of Julian's life in 14th century Norwich with a comprehensive commentary on her Revelations in a new and faithful translation from the Middle English. Unlike other brief summaries of Julian's life and times, this book goes in-depth to uncover the political, cultural, social, and religious milieu that formed and deeply influenced her development as a woman and a mystic. Additionally, unlike other textual companions to Julian's work that provide only short explanations of Middle English words, or merely footnote theological terms, this work gives the reader a detailed analysis of her writings, illuminating her ground-breaking mystical theology with extensive scholarship. Throughout, the book creates a strong dramatic arc for Julian's Revelations that interweaves her personal sufferings and burning questions with her visionary experiences, producing a compelling spiritual biography.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781608333103
Publisher:	Orbis
Publication date:	10/02/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Sales rank:	1,030,132
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Veronica Mary Rolf is an independent scholar of medieval studies and comparative literature, educated at Columbia University. She has spent her life in the professional theatre, as a playwright, performer, and artistic director. For over two decades, she trained and directed professional actors as a Master Teacher of Dramatic Arts in New York, London, and Berkeley. Currently, she presents a popular lecture series, Mornings with Julian of Norwich, and writes frequently on her website: www.JuliansVoice.com

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

A Note on Citations xi

Introduction 1

Part 1 Julian's Life

1 Norwich 15

2 Ancestry 39

3 Childhood 59

4 The Great Pestilence 67

5 Education 85

6 Marriage and Sexuality 104

7 War and Childbirth 125

8 Schism, Heresy, and Revolt 143

9 Preaching and Poetry 168

10 Corpus Christi Plays 194

Part 2 Julian's Revelations

11 Three Gifts 225

12 The Vision 258

13 The Passion 296

14 The Dying 334

15 Transformation 357

16 Making All Things Well 382

17 The Great Deed 403

18 On Prayer 431

19 The Lord and the Servant 462

20 The Godly Will 494

21 The Motherhood of God 512

22 Close of the Day 538

23 Betrayal and Affirmation 548

24 At Her Window 569

25 A Gospel of Love 589

Notes 597

Appendix 631

Bibliography 633

Index 645