
St. Birgitta of Sweden (1303-1373, canonized 1391) was one of the most charismatic and influential female visionaries of the later Middle Ages. Altogether, she received some 700 revelations, dealing with subjects ranging from meditations on the human condition, domestic affairs in Sweden, and ecclesiastical matters in Rome, to revelations in praise of the Incarnation and devotion to the Virgin. Her Revelations, collected and ordered by her confessors, circulated widely throughout Europe and long after her death. Many eminent individuals, including Cardinal Juan Torquemada, Jean Gerson, and Martin Luther, read and commented on her writings, which influenced the spiritual lives of countless individuals. Birgitta was also the founder of a new monastic order, which still exists today. She is the patron saint of Sweden, and in 2000 was declared (with Catherine of Siena and Edith Stein) co-patroness of Europe.Birgitta's Revelations present her as a commanding and dauntless visionary who develops a contemplative mysticism that is always interwoven with social engagement and a commitment to the salvation of the world. The varied styles of her revelations are dominated by frequent juxtapositions of memorable images and allegories that illustrate her fierce and fertile imagination, her sharp powers of observation and understanding, and her passionate and receptive storytelling powers.This fourth and final volume of the translation of the Revelations of St. Birgitta of Sweden, comprises The Heavenly Emperor's Book to Kings, The Rule, and Minor Works. While the complete collection of Birgitta's books--called Liber caelestis--ends with Books VII, the eighth book, also referred to as The Heavenly Emperor's Book to Kings, was added after her death. It was compiled by Alfonso of Jaén, and is prefaced by his own treatise, titled The Hermit's Letter to Kings, which examines the ways in which revelations are tested and proven to be true visions conferred by the Holy Spirit. This volum
This volume investigates the theological and political dimensions of St. Birgitta of Sweden’s later visionary writings, specifically focusing on their application to secular governance and monastic life. Bridget Morris, a scholar of medieval literature and history, provides a critical translation and contextual analysis of the final components of Birgitta’s corpus. The work argues that these texts represent a synthesis of contemplative mysticism and active social engagement, intended to guide both monarchs and religious orders toward spiritual and moral reform.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Scholars and historians regard this translation as a critical resource for understanding the intersection of medieval visionary literature and political theory. Readers frequently note the academic rigor of the introduction and the clarity of the translation, which makes these complex theological texts accessible to modern researchers.
Page Count:
427
Publication Date:
2015-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0190463481
ISBN-13:
9780190463489
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