Mysticism: The Preeminent Study in the Nature and Development of Spiritual Consciousness

Description

Mysticism: A Study in the Nature and Development of Spiritual Consciousness by Evelyn Underhill is one of the most influential works ever written on the subject of mysticism in the Western tradition. First published in 1911, this comprehensive volume explores the mystical experience through a rigorous study of its stages, characteristics, and psychological foundations. Underhill deftly weaves together historical analysis, theological insight, and vivid literary examples drawn from Christian mystics such as Meister Eckhart, Julian of Norwich, and St.

John of the Cross, while also referencing Islamic, Neoplatonic, and Eastern traditions. Divided into two major partsThe Mystic Fact and The Mystic Waythe text maps the universal journey of the soul from awakening and purgation to illumination and union. Balancing scholarly precision with accessible prose, Mysticism remains a seminal resource for seekers, scholars, and spiritual practitioners alike.

Author Evelyn Underhill Author Info Evelyn Underhill (1875 ?1941) was a pioneering English writer, poet, and theologian best known for her works on Christian mysticism. She was one of the first modern authors to treat mysticism as a psychological and theological phenomenon that could be studied across religious traditions. As a lay theologian and spiritual director, Underhill brought clarity and intellectual rigor to a subject often cloaked in obscurity.

Her writings reflect deep familiarity with both contemplative practice and historical scholarship. In an era when few women were recognized in theological circles, she became a leading voice in spiritual studies and was the first woman to lecture on theology at Oxford University. Her legacy endures in both academic and devotional circles, where her work continues to inspire those drawn to the i er life.

ISBN-13 978-0385416313 Publisher PRH Christian Publishing Publication Date October 1, 1990 (Originally Published 1911) Edition Reprint Binding Paperback Condition Used – Very Good Page Count 544 Pages