Revelations of Divine Love (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

~ Julian of Norwich (Author), Elizabeth Spearing (Translator), A. C. Spearing (Introduction) "This is a vision shown, through God's goodness, to a devout woman, and her name is Julian, and she is a recluse at Norwich and..." (more)
Key Phrases: glorious gratitude, blessed showing, sensory being, Holy Church, Holy Ghost, Lord God (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Coming from a society where women were barred from serious writing and teaching, Julian, an anchorite of the great medieval city of Norwich, nevertheless uses her womanliness and the English vernacular of the day to describe a series of revelations which she received from God in the year 1373. She identifies the female nature of Christ's suffering and the motherhood of God, using images from domestic daily life, emphasizing the homeliness of God's love. She writes in a lively and unpretentious manner and her theology is precise without ever being pedantic.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics (February 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140446737
• ISBN-13: 978-0140446739
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #126,099 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

64 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars God as Lover, August 20, 2000

By	catherine guelph "catrina_g" (milano, italy) - See all my reviews

I enjoyed reading this book. It is an account of 16 visions which appeared to Mother Julian (1342-1416) along with her meditations of the experience. She was a recluse who lived in Norwich in what is now the British Isles. I had not considered the LORD my God as my lover until I learned this from Julian. In her natural style, she explained to me the love God has for each of us. This statement of hers has meant a great deal to me, " Some of us believe that God is almighty, and may do everything; and that he is all wise and can do everything; but that he is all love, and >>will<< do everything - there we draw back. And as I see it, this ignorance is the greatest of all hindrances to God's lovers." I feel that this is a message from which many may benefit, regardless of creed. In addition, I learned a bit about the solitary religious life which was popular in the Middle Ages. If you are interested in learning of the love God has for you, or in the religion of the Middle Ages, this book will be interesting to you.

38 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Profound and inspiring, December 5, 2000

By	Marc A. Pitman "Fundraisingcoach.com" (Waterville, ME USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Julian's utter devotion to God amazes me. Sure, the medieval imagery, symbols, and style of writing take a little getting used to--but her intense desire for intimacy with her Lord is inspiring.

As a devout (mostly Protestant) Christian, I highly recommend this work. Read it and you'll understand why people have been drawn closer to Him through Julian's writing.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic work of English mysticism, November 15, 2006

By	Greg (Australia) - See all my reviews

Julian was an anchoress living in medieval England, before the turbulence of the English civil wars and Reformation tore the religious life of the country apart.

England was generally not a fertile ground for mysticism, compared with continental Europe or Greece. While there were some exceptions, generally England did not produce many religious thinkers who could be classified as 'mystics.'

Despite this, there were some great mystics such as Julian. Julian experienced a series of visions at the age of 30 when a serious illness almost killed her. Today we might call such experiences 'near death experiences' and write them off as unusual chemical activity in the brain occuring when it is close to death, but back then Julian interpreted it as God's revelation to her. These visions included visions showing the love God has for the creation, the possible universal salvation of all on the last day, and also about the nature of God's love for us despite the dangers of sin and divine judgement.

In a troubled age as our own we can hope with Julian that God's love will prevail and in the end 'All will be well.'