The Life of the Soul: The Wisdom of Julian of Norwich [Paperback]

Edmund Colledge (Author), James Walsh (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1996

The human soul is a dwelling place of God for those who keep it unlocked and swept. This belief in an intimate bond between God and humankind was beautifully expressed by the mysterious woman named Julian who lived in a hermitage attached to Norwich cathedral. Julian's Showings, which continue to be read and cherished five hundred years after her death, recount mystical revelations that came to her as she recovered from illness. These affirm the fundamental goodness of creation. While our souls are weak and prone to sin, they also reflect God's own being; even our sensuality and earthly existence are charged with divine life. The sections of Showings that make up this volume are taken from the best-selling translation of Edmund Colledge and James Walsh.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Each of these little books contain pearls of wisdom from two of Christianity's most beloved women mystics. Hildegard of Bingen's visions draw upon the power of beauty of the created order to transform the human soul; Julian of Norwich receives revelations from a God who is nurturing, compassionate, and merciful to those who seek to find God. Walsh's extensive introductions to the lives and work of these two women are treasures in themselves, and the selections will whet readers' appetites for richer servings from these mystics' writings. For most libraries.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press (June 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809136732
• ISBN-13: 978-0809136735
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 4.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,150,337 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars The Life of the Soul: The Wisdom of Julian of Norwich, January 17, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Life of the Soul: The Wisdom of Julian of Norwich (Paperback)

This is the abridged version, which may be useful for some who want to get a quick overview of Julian's theology. I prefer the "whole story" contained in the full version for its elaboration of Julian's reasoning and elaborate and untraditional imagery of God/Christ as a mother who nurses us at his breast...

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Appetizer to the Full Works!, September 6, 2011

By 

Veni - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life of the Soul: The Wisdom of Julian of Norwich (Paperback)

I was not familiar with Julian of Norwich before picking up this book. It is a beautiful little book. Through it, I saw God's great mercies in a new way, and that has caused me great joy and hope. I plan on getting the full book of Julian's writings, Sixteen Revelations of Divine Love. If this small book, which I am giving a definite 5 stars, merits only 2 stars as given by another reviewer, then the full works will probably make me absolutely blissful. I cannot wait!!