Middle English Mystics First Published in German Under Title: Studien Zur Englischen Mystik

Originally published as an English translation in 1981, The Middle English Mystics is a crucial contribution to the study of the literature of English mysticism. This book surveys and analyses the language of metaphor in the writings of such mystics as Richard Rolle, Walter Hilton, Julian of Norwich, and in such anonymous works as The Cloud of Unknowing and the Ancrene Wisse. The main emphasis of this comparative and stylistic study is not theological but rather the means by which theological concepts are communicated through language. The book sets the English mystics in perspective by establishing their place in the European mystical movement of the Middle Ages. It shows how intricate the relationship between English, and continental mysticism really is. The book suggests that there is clear links between English and German female mysticism, yet the mysticism is in the main due not so much to specific influences as to the common background of Christian theology and mysticism.

About the author

Wolfgang Riehle

Summary

Originally published as an English translation in 1981, The Middle English Mystics surveys and analyses metaphor in the writings of such mystics as Richard Rolle, Walter Hilton, Julian of Norwich, and in such anonymous works as The Cloud of Unknowing and the Ancrene Wisse.

Product details

• Authors: Wolfgang Riehle, Riehle Wolfgang
• Assisted by: Bernard Standring (Translation)
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Content: Book
• Product form: Paperback / Softback
• Publication date: 31.12.2020
• Subject: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative literary studies
• EAN: 9780367211318
• ISBN: 978-0-367-21131-8
• Pages: 262
• Series: Routledge Library Editions: The Medieval World
• Subjects: LITERARY CRITICISM / General, Spiritualism, Literary studies: classical, early & medieval, Literary theory, Literary studies: ancient, classical and medieval, Christian Mysticism, Middle English, Metaphor Analysis, contemplative traditions, medieval religious literature, female mystics Europe, metaphorical language in mystical texts, spiritual union theology