This study investigates the evolution and dissemination of the devotion to the Name of Jesus within the religious and literary landscape of medieval England from the 12th to the 16th century. Denis Renevey, a scholar specializing in medieval literature, utilizes a trilingual corpus of Latin, Anglo-Norman, and Middle English texts to trace how this specific devotional practice transitioned from exclusive monastic settings to broader lay engagement. The work argues that the devotion served as a foundational element of contemplative practice, particularly in the writings of Richard Rolle, while examining the influence of ecclesiastical mandates like the Second Council of Lyon on English spiritual life.

Scholars and students of medieval religious culture frequently cite this work as a rigorous examination of the intersection between contemplative practice and literary production. The text is noted for its academic density and its precise handling of primary sources across multiple languages.