
Mechthild von Magdeburg
A Medieval Mystic in Modern Eyes
Frank J. Tobin(Author)
Camden House Inc (Publisher)
Published on 2. February 1995
Book
Hardback
164 pages
978-1-57113-001-3 (ISBN)
Description
A survey of critical literature devoted to Mechthild and her Flowing Light of Godhead.
Mechthild von Magdeburg, the thirteenth-century mystic and visionary, adopted the position of holy woman favoured by God to record her visions, ecstacies, and religious teachings, in her single book, the Flowing Light of the Godhead. It deploys a rich array of literary strategies, from erotic lyricism to stern prophetic tones, to express her intimate experiences of God, her visions of Heaven, Hell and the coming millenium, and her criticism of the religious establishment.
Since her rediscovery in the mid-nineteenth century, Mechthild has enjoyed increasing scholarly interest; interpretations of her work range from the strictly orthodox writings of nineteenth century theologians to those of modern feminist historians. In particular, the flood of critical response in the last decade attests to her contemporary relevance. This survey of the critical literature devoted to Mechthild offers a thorough analysis of reactions from the medieval period to the present day, and shows how differing preoccupations and concerns have coloured attitudes to her work.
Mechthild von Magdeburg, the thirteenth-century mystic and visionary, adopted the position of holy woman favoured by God to record her visions, ecstacies, and religious teachings, in her single book, the Flowing Light of the Godhead. It deploys a rich array of literary strategies, from erotic lyricism to stern prophetic tones, to express her intimate experiences of God, her visions of Heaven, Hell and the coming millenium, and her criticism of the religious establishment.
Since her rediscovery in the mid-nineteenth century, Mechthild has enjoyed increasing scholarly interest; interpretations of her work range from the strictly orthodox writings of nineteenth century theologians to those of modern feminist historians. In particular, the flood of critical response in the last decade attests to her contemporary relevance. This survey of the critical literature devoted to Mechthild offers a thorough analysis of reactions from the medieval period to the present day, and shows how differing preoccupations and concerns have coloured attitudes to her work.
Reviews / Votes
The particular value of Tobin's work is in succinctly communicating the content of a wide range of German contributions to Anglo-American readers with an interest in placing her writings in an international context. * FORUM FOR MODERN LANGUAGE STUDIES *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Columbia, MD
United States
Publishing group
Boydell & Brewer Ltd
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 579 mm
Width: 386 mm
Weight
666 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-57113-001-3 (9781571130013)
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Schweitzer Classification