From Library Journal
Armstrong (History of God, LJ 9/15/93) draws on her personal experience and studies as a Roman Catholic nun to excerpt and translate the writings of four 14th-century English mystics: Richard Rolle of Hampole, the unknown author of The Cloud of Unknowing, Walter Hilton, and Dame Julian of Norwich. They were the first to express the mystical position in the English vernacular (Middle English) and had considerable influence on the development of Western mysticism. Although their influence in England was cut short by the Protestant Reformation, making their writings available in this form does provide a balance to the unfavorable view of English religious life at that time given by Chaucer and Langland. There is a brief introduction to Christian mysticism and a summary of each mystic's teaching in the context of what little is known of his or her life. A good introduction to Christian mystical writings for the educated public.Eugene O. Bowser, Univ. of Northern Colorado, GreeleyCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
This book consists of selections from four fourteenth-century English mystics (Richard Rolle, the anonymous author of The Cloud of Unknowing, Walter Hilton, and Julian of Norwich), along with introductions and brief commentary by Karen Armstrong, teacher and writer. The collection is eminently readable and should serve to make these important sources more accessible to a general audience. The selections are arranged chronologically, but Armstrong's reflections also place them in a "developmental sequence," with Rolle serving as a cautionary tale against "spiritual freelancing" (a role in which he was often cast by his contemporaries); The Cloud of Unknowing and Hilton's Ladder of Perfection serving as sensible popular introductions to disciplined spiritual development; and Julian serving as an exemplar of "prophetic" visionary experience sensitive both to the discipline of the church and to the needs of common folk. Armstrong compares these authors with astronauts exploring inner space and makes a strong case for their contemporary relevance. She draws an analogy between spiritual discipline and psychoanalysis, emphasizing the importance of competent direction in both. This collection will be an important contribution to contemporary discussion, of particular interest to those seeking to reclaim a mystical tradition that has often lain dormant in the West. Steve Schroeder

Review
"Witty, informative, and contemplative; Ms. Armstrong can simplify complex ideas, but she is never simplistic."--The New York Times Book Review.

"Provocative...Karen Armstrong has strong ecumenical credentials.  One of the delights of her book is her exploration of some relatively unfamiliar pathways to God."--Time.

Book Description
The mystics of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries were, writes Karen Armstrong, like "the astronauts of our own day. They broke into a new religion, blazed a new trail to God and to the depths of the self, a trail far from the beaten pilgrimage paths of Chaucer and Langland." Mysticism is a spiritual mystery shared in some form by all faiths; it has a supernatural quality that extends beyond the given boundaries of religious creed and may be experienced by any lay person. The thrilling intensity of a mystical experience, as represented in this volume by the writings of four mystics of the Middle Ages, can inspire other spiritual seekers with its insight into the limitless wonder of both human and divine experience. Dissatisfied by the strictures of dogma and a religion that failed to quench the human thirst for knowledge of a mystical order, these four mystics--Richard Rolle of Hampole, Walter Hilton, Dame Julian of Norwich, and the unknown author of The Cloud Of Unknowing --communicate an intense and passionate experience of faith rare in any time. Because of their unique beliefs and spiritual strength, their knowledge and writings have proved timeless, and in this beautiful volume show contemporary seekers important new insights into the nature of divine love.

The publisher, Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.
"The mystics of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries were, writes Karen Armstrong, like "the astronauts of our own day. They broke into a new religion, blazed a new trail to God and to the depths of the self, a trail far from the beaten pilgrimage paths of Chaucer and Langland." Mysticism is a spiritual mystery shared in some form by all faiths; it has a supernatural quality that extends beyond the given boundaries of religious creed and may be experienced by any lay person. The thrilling intensity of a mystical experience, as represented in this volume by the writings of four mystics of the Middle Ages, can inspire other spiritual seekers with its insight into the limitless wonder of both human and divine experience. Dissatisfied by the strictures of dogma and a religion that failed to quench the human thirst for knowledge of a mystical order, these four mystics--Richard Rolle of Hampole, Walter Hilton, Dame Julian of Norwich, and the unknown author of The Cloud Of Unknowing --communicate an intense and passionate experience of faith rare in any time. Because of their unique beliefs and spiritual strength, their knowledge and writings have proved timeless, and in this beautiful volume show contemporary seekers important new insights into the nature of divine love."Witty, informative, and contemplative; Ms. Armstrong can simplify complex ideas, but she is never simplistic."--The New York Times Book Review."Provocative...Karen Armstrong has strong ecumenical credentials. One of the delights of her book is her exploration of some relatively unfamiliar pathways to God."--Time.

From the Inside Flap
The mystics of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries were, writes Karen Armstrong, like "the astronauts of our own day.  They broke into a new religion, blazed a new trail to God and to the depths of the self, a trail far from the beaten pilgrimage paths of Chaucer and Langland."  Mysticism is a spiritual mystery shared in some form by all faiths; it has a supernatural quality that extends beyond the given boundaries of religious creed and may be experienced by any lay person.  The thrilling intensity of a mystical experience, as represented in this volume by the writings of four mystics of the Middle Ages, can inspire other spiritual seekers with its insight into the limitless wonder of both human and divine experience. Dissatisfied by the strictures of dogma and a religion that failed to quench the human thirst for knowledge of a mystical order, these four mystics--Richard Rolle of Hampole, Walter Hilton, Dame Julian of Norwich, and the unknown author of The Cloud Of Unknowing --communicate an intense and passionate experience of faith rare in any time.  Because of their unique beliefs and spiritual strength, their knowledge and writings have proved timeless, and in this beautiful volume show contemporary seekers important new insights into the nature of divine love.

From the Back Cover
"Witty, informative, and contemplative; Ms. Armstrong can simplify complex ideas, but she is never simplistic."--The New York Times Book Review."Provocative...Karen Armstrong has strong ecumenical credentials. One of the delights of her book is her exploration of some relatively unfamiliar pathways to God."--Time.

ANNOTATION

The New York Times bestselling author of A History of God presents four compelling visions of God from medieval visionaries. Because of their unique beliefs and spiritual strength, their knowledge and writings have proved timeless. In this beautiful gift volume, they show contemporary seekers new insights into the nature of divine love.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The mystics of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries were, writes Karen Armstrong, like "the astronauts of our own day. They broke into a new religion, blazed a new trail to God and to the depths of the self, a trail far from the beaten pilgrimage paths of Chaucer and Langland." Mysticism is a spiritual mystery shared in some form by all faiths; it has a supernatural quality that extends beyond the given boundaries of religious creed and may be experienced by any lay person. The thrilling intensity of a mystical experience, as represented in this volume by the writings of four mystics of the Middle Ages, can inspire other spiritual seekers with its insight into the limitless wonder of both human and divine experience. Dissatisfied by the strictures of dogma and a religion that failed to quench the human thirst for knowledge of a mystical order, these four mystics—Richard Rolle of Hampole, Walter Hilton, Dame Julian of Norwich, and the unknown author of The Cloud Of Unknowing —communicate an intense and passionate experience of faith rare in any time. Because of their unique beliefs and spiritual strength, their knowledge and writings have proved timeless, and in this beautiful volume show contemporary seekers important new insights into the nature of divine love.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal