Comfortable Words for Christ's Lovers; Being the Visions and Voices Vouchsafed to Lady Julian
London: H.R. Allenson, Limited, [1920's]. Original purple cloth (6 3/4 inches tall), gilt spine and front board, top edge gilt. Early owner signature, tanning to blank flyleaves, corners sharp, gilt bright, slight wear to ends of toned spine. Very good indeed. Item #1846
"BEING THE VISIONS AND VOICES VOUCHSAFED TO LADY JULIAN RECLUSE AT NORWICH"
First edition of Julian of Norwich's Comfortable Words for Christ's Lovers—"transcribed and edited from the recently discovered manuscript." A pleasing copy.
A contemplation (and development) of the revelations received in the visions and voices of 1373, Lady Julian of Norwich's manuscript was "lost to public notice till 1909, when it was bought by the British Museum at Lord Amherst's sale." As an enclosed anchoress, Julian's "writings testify to the profound love and compassion that were the fruits of her solitary existence" (Robert Ellsberg).
This edition opens with an Introduction in four parts. I. The Manuscript, II. The Author, III. The Visions, IV. The Present Edition, and a Bibliography of Lady Julian. The text is prefaced with a brief Introduction by the (medieval) Copyist. "In the which vision are full many comfortable words, and greatly stirring to all that desire to be Christ's lovers." Arranged by the Rev. Dundas Harford, the text, numbered in XXV passages, concludes with a brief Glossary. Appended with an H.R. Allenson advertisement. Laid in is a small printed slip advertising two other devotional works from the publisher. Robert Ellsberg. All Saints: Daily Reflections on Saints, Prophets and Witnesses for Our Times.
Price: $55.00