The Book of Margery Kempe

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Inspiration & Meditation, Mysticism, Biography & Memoir, Religious
Cover of the book The Book of Margery Kempe by John Skinner, The Crown Publishing Group
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John Skinner ISBN: 9780307768766
Publisher: The Crown Publishing Group Publication: January 26, 2011
Imprint: Image Language: English
Author: John Skinner
ISBN: 9780307768766
Publisher: The Crown Publishing Group
Publication: January 26, 2011
Imprint: Image
Language: English

Though a familiar name, little was known about the English mystic Margery Kempe (c. 1373-c. 1440) for hundreds of years except that she had an association with the great Julian of Norwich. This all changed in 1934 with the discovery of The Book of Margery Kempe in a library where it had lain hidden for four hundred years. Finding Margery's own story was important not just because of the light it shed on her life, but it also turned out to be the first known autobiography in the English language. Even more intriguing to the experts of the day, this unique document was written by a woman.

But if anyone had expected to find her anything like her cloistered contemporary, Julian, they were in for something of a surprise. Far from being a typical holy woman, Margery Kempe was married and mother of fourteen children. Moreover, she had been a woman of substance, even running a large brewery for a time. After turning to religion, she traveled thousands of miles around the known world on pilgrimages to distant lands.

Beyond the circumstances of her life, what's most compelling about the text is the inner Margery that emerges. Her account of spiritual awakening, far from being a blissful episode is instead full of conflict and recrimination. What good was this new way of life if it caused her such trouble? Was this really the only way to lead a holy life? Margery remained unsure of the answers. But her patience in her struggle is a wonder to behold, and an example for us today.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Though a familiar name, little was known about the English mystic Margery Kempe (c. 1373-c. 1440) for hundreds of years except that she had an association with the great Julian of Norwich. This all changed in 1934 with the discovery of The Book of Margery Kempe in a library where it had lain hidden for four hundred years. Finding Margery's own story was important not just because of the light it shed on her life, but it also turned out to be the first known autobiography in the English language. Even more intriguing to the experts of the day, this unique document was written by a woman.

But if anyone had expected to find her anything like her cloistered contemporary, Julian, they were in for something of a surprise. Far from being a typical holy woman, Margery Kempe was married and mother of fourteen children. Moreover, she had been a woman of substance, even running a large brewery for a time. After turning to religion, she traveled thousands of miles around the known world on pilgrimages to distant lands.

Beyond the circumstances of her life, what's most compelling about the text is the inner Margery that emerges. Her account of spiritual awakening, far from being a blissful episode is instead full of conflict and recrimination. What good was this new way of life if it caused her such trouble? Was this really the only way to lead a holy life? Margery remained unsure of the answers. But her patience in her struggle is a wonder to behold, and an example for us today.

More books from The Crown Publishing Group

Cover of the book For Every Season by John Skinner
Cover of the book Dry Bones Dancing by John Skinner
Cover of the book Deep Harbor by John Skinner
Cover of the book Shameless by John Skinner
Cover of the book The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women by John Skinner
Cover of the book The Leader's Way by John Skinner
Cover of the book The Single Dad's Survival Guide by John Skinner
Cover of the book Spiritual Warfare by John Skinner
Cover of the book Incompatibility by John Skinner
Cover of the book MBA in a Box by John Skinner
Cover of the book Final Justice by John Skinner
Cover of the book His Rules by John Skinner
Cover of the book Be the Message Devotional by John Skinner
Cover of the book The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper by John Skinner
Cover of the book Matthew by John Skinner
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy