Scholem, Gershom. Kabbalah. New York: New American Library, 1974
If all scholars wrote as powerfully, as effectively, and as entertainingly
insightful as Prof. Scholem did; then classes devoted to history, philosophy,
and theology across the world would be packed to the brim.
This book showcases Prof. Scholem's brilliant style while providing a fascinating
account of the history, principals, and major characters involved in the
study of Jewish 'mystical' thought in the Middle Ages.
Scholem, Gershom. Origins of the Kabbalah. Translated by Allan Arkush.
Princeton University Press, 1990
A truly fascinating and important examination of the influences leading
to the flourishing of Jewish 'mystical' thought in the late Middle Ages.
This work provides the reader with an illuminating understanding of the
impact this movement had upon Medieval Europe.
Julian of Norwich. A Book of Showings to the Anchoress Julian of Norwich.
2 vols. Wetteren, Belgium: Universa Press. 1978
The original texts, very dense and obtuse (both in content of writing and
the Middle English text itself) - but providing a beautiful definition of
that one emotion which none of us can claim an understanding of -- Love.
But Julian of Norwich has come the closest to such an understanding; and
her work is proof that she truly lived ahead of her time, and of ours. It
could be centuries yet before we catch up to her.
Julian of Norwich. Showings. Translated by Edmund Colledge and James
Walsh. New York: Paulist Press. 1978.
A translation of the original, without the dense language and style, and
with an insightful introduction.
Colledge, Eric. The Mediaeval Mystics of England. New York: Charles
Scribner's Sons. 1961.
A collection of excerpts and brief analyses of readings by several mystics
- including Julian of Norwich, and Margery Kempe (who as a confused mystic
was aided by Julian herself).
Waite, A.E. The Holy Kabbalah. With an introduction by Kenneth
Rexroth. Secaucus, New Jersey: Citadel Press.
Bradley, Ritamary. Julian's Way. London, England: Harper Collins
Religious. 1992
Julian of Norwich. A Lesson of Love. Translation Father John-Julian
and ©1988 The Order of Julian of Norwich. New York: Walker and Company.
1988