Mystics of the Church By Evelyn Underhill A detailed and well-documented history of Christian mysticism and its influence on the Church, from the earliest times to the 20th century. ISBN-13: 9780227678206 Specifications: 216x135mm, 260pp, Hardback Price: £17.50 • US$37.50 Publication: November 1987 Order this Title Now

About this Book

Evelyn Underhill's classic book on mysticism shows not only the historic development of Christian mysticism and its influence on the Church, but gives a deep insight into the spiritual growth of the individual mystics, their struggles, achievements and influence. Covering the whole development of the Christian Church from St Paul to the present century, the author illustrates the differing backgrounds and approach of many of the great mystics such as St Augustine of Hippo, whose writings helped to create the Church's understanding of its mystical character; and St Francis of Assisi whose example proved an inspiration to many.

The book gives much more than an opportunity to 'meet' the great mystics, however, as it also provides a frame-work for the analysis of true mysticism and false, contrasting Catherine of Siena, a girl of the people whose transcendental mysticism benefited any in an age of ecclesiastical degradation, with the well-born and beautiful Madame Guyon, whose excesses brought mysticism into disrepute. Evelyn Underhill illuminates the whole of her subject by drawing attention to the differences of approach that can bring man along the road to the divine, from the zealous militancy of a Loyola to the passivity of the Quietists.

This absorbing study by one of the great writers on mysticism covers every aspect of the subject and gives a clear understanding of the mystics' world in writing that is both informative and stimulating.

About the Author

Evelyn Underhill was born on December 6, 1875, the only child of Sir Arthur Underhill, barrister and bencher at Lincoln's Inn. She was educated largely at home but later went to King's College for Women. In 1911 research for her first book Mysticism introduced her to the work of Friedrich von Hugel, whose pupil she remained until his death in 1925. In 1921 she gave the Upton Lectures at Manchester College, Oxford, and it was in that year that she settled a dilemma of many years' standing and became a member of the Anglican Communion. Much of her life was devoted to religious work, visiting the poor and the direction of souls. Her writings on mysticism brought her an international reputation and a fellowship of King's College for Women, London. She died in 1941 at the age of sixty-five.