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Julian's Gospel: Illuminating the Life & Revelations of Julian of Norwich
2014 CATHOLIC PRESS ASSOCIATION BOOK AWARD WINNER
2014 NAUTILUS BOOK AWARD - GOLD in Religion/ Western Traditions
THE NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE BOOK AWARDS - 2014 WINNER in Religion Non Fiction
This fascinating study of the life and work of Julian of Norwich, the 14th century English mystic, whose Revelations is among the most popular and influential works of Christian mysticism, is the first book to combine an historical reconstruction of Julian's life in 14th century Norwich with a comprehensive commentary on her Revelations in a new and faithful translation from the Middle English. Unlike other brief summaries of Julian's life and times, this book goes in-depth to uncover the political, cultural, social, and religious milieu that formed and deeply influenced her development as a woman and a mystic. Additionally, unlike other textual companions to Julian's work that provide only short explanations of Middle English words, or merely footnote theological terms, this work gives the reader a detailed analysis of her writings, illuminating her ground-breaking mystical theology with extensive scholarship. Throughout, the book creates a strong dramatic arc for Julian's Revelations that interweaves her personal sufferings and burning questions with her visionary experiences, producing a compelling spiritual biography.
2014 NAUTILUS BOOK AWARD - GOLD in Religion/ Western Traditions
THE NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE BOOK AWARDS - 2014 WINNER in Religion Non Fiction
This fascinating study of the life and work of Julian of Norwich, the 14th century English mystic, whose Revelations is among the most popular and influential works of Christian mysticism, is the first book to combine an historical reconstruction of Julian's life in 14th century Norwich with a comprehensive commentary on her Revelations in a new and faithful translation from the Middle English. Unlike other brief summaries of Julian's life and times, this book goes in-depth to uncover the political, cultural, social, and religious milieu that formed and deeply influenced her development as a woman and a mystic. Additionally, unlike other textual companions to Julian's work that provide only short explanations of Middle English words, or merely footnote theological terms, this work gives the reader a detailed analysis of her writings, illuminating her ground-breaking mystical theology with extensive scholarship. Throughout, the book creates a strong dramatic arc for Julian's Revelations that interweaves her personal sufferings and burning questions with her visionary experiences, producing a compelling spiritual biography.
660 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2013
About the author
Veronica Mary Rolf
4 books1 followerVeronica Mary Rolf is an independent scholar of medieval studies, educated at Columbia University; an academic lecturer; a professional playwright; and a master teacher of dramatic arts in New York, London, Buenos Aires, and Berkeley. She is the author of the award-winning Julian's Gospel: Illuminating the Life & Revelations of Julian of Norwich.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 16, 2013
Julian of Norwich is among the greatest Christian mystics and theologians of all time, so a book covering her life, times, and thought has much splendid material to work with. (Well, the times weren't so hot but the rest is incredible.) With a thorough an insightful a study as this, I wish I could give it six or seven stars.
Rolf covers the social, political and religious ambiance in the first half of the book to put Julian's visions and reflections in context. The town of Norwich in her time really comes to life with its mercers (the most likely social level of Julian, the preachers, the actors of the mystery plays and much else. The fourteenth century was a hard century with harsh weather in Norfolk and several devastating waves of plague. Rolf builds a plausible case for Julian being a married woman, probably widowed, with at least two children, maybe more. This is based on the likely events for a woman in her station and also helped by hints in the "Revelations of Divine Love."
The social turmoil and plagues and instability in the church due to the papal schism, not to speak of Julian's own over-sensitive emotional makeup make it clear that the ringing affirmations in her book are not hollow or flippant. They are words of Christ's comfort offered in the midst of greatest pain.
Rolf's analysis of Julian's thought in the second part of the book is blinding in its insights into God's glory and love. What is so amazing about the book is that, contrary to so much preaching in the cathedral and the streets, Julian is assured of the totally unchanging, unconditional love of God for all creatures and the peremptory forgiveness of even the gravest of sins. It isn't that Julian sloughs off sin. She is highly sensitive to her own sinfulness and says late in the book that committing sin is the greatest of all pains. But Julian is assured in her visions that God delights in her, even thanks her for being, and that Jesus was glad to suffer the pains on the cross revealed in the visions for her and all creatures. The parable of the fallen servant is discussed in detail and Rolf shows how it is the basis for an atonement theology that is non-punitive. There is no sense that the father is wrathful & needs the punishment of anyone. In fact, Julian sees NO wrath in God whatsoever. Not the slightest. Hard to imagine, given all the wrath in human experience. Indeed, the parable of the fallen servant shows how hard it is for humans to turn to God enough to realize how deep God's love is. Julian was assured that all manner of thing shall be well. Julian had a hard time believing it. We have a hard time believing it. This book immerses us so deeply into Julian's visions that we just might suspect that these assurances really are true.
Rolf covers the social, political and religious ambiance in the first half of the book to put Julian's visions and reflections in context. The town of Norwich in her time really comes to life with its mercers (the most likely social level of Julian, the preachers, the actors of the mystery plays and much else. The fourteenth century was a hard century with harsh weather in Norfolk and several devastating waves of plague. Rolf builds a plausible case for Julian being a married woman, probably widowed, with at least two children, maybe more. This is based on the likely events for a woman in her station and also helped by hints in the "Revelations of Divine Love."
The social turmoil and plagues and instability in the church due to the papal schism, not to speak of Julian's own over-sensitive emotional makeup make it clear that the ringing affirmations in her book are not hollow or flippant. They are words of Christ's comfort offered in the midst of greatest pain.
Rolf's analysis of Julian's thought in the second part of the book is blinding in its insights into God's glory and love. What is so amazing about the book is that, contrary to so much preaching in the cathedral and the streets, Julian is assured of the totally unchanging, unconditional love of God for all creatures and the peremptory forgiveness of even the gravest of sins. It isn't that Julian sloughs off sin. She is highly sensitive to her own sinfulness and says late in the book that committing sin is the greatest of all pains. But Julian is assured in her visions that God delights in her, even thanks her for being, and that Jesus was glad to suffer the pains on the cross revealed in the visions for her and all creatures. The parable of the fallen servant is discussed in detail and Rolf shows how it is the basis for an atonement theology that is non-punitive. There is no sense that the father is wrathful & needs the punishment of anyone. In fact, Julian sees NO wrath in God whatsoever. Not the slightest. Hard to imagine, given all the wrath in human experience. Indeed, the parable of the fallen servant shows how hard it is for humans to turn to God enough to realize how deep God's love is. Julian was assured that all manner of thing shall be well. Julian had a hard time believing it. We have a hard time believing it. This book immerses us so deeply into Julian's visions that we just might suspect that these assurances really are true.
June 24, 2026
Excellent book. Part 1 on Julian’s life was extremely helpful and Part 2 her revelations with commentary was excellent. Highly recommended for those interested in Julian of Norwich.
August 1, 2016
I have been reading this nonfiction book since January of 2016, and have finished it on the first of August, 2016. I very much enjoyed reading this book, as I have a great devotion to Julian of Norwich; but it is a large and long book, and I did have other books to read from time to time. I will also note that this is a very Catholic book; while I think that non-Catholics (or non-Christians) would enjoy reading this book, it means more (I think) to one if one is Catholic.
A little history: Julian of Norwich was a 14th century mystic in the North of England who, after having some fifteen Revelations at the age of thirty, wrote Revelations of Divine Love (a Short Text, not long after the Revelations, and a Long Text some twenty or thirty years later) about her revelations and what she learned in the Revelations about the all-encompassing love of God. It is not known precisely when she was born, when she died, or even what her name was (her anchorage in later life was attached to the Church of St. Julian). To relate some personal history, at some point in the early or mid-1970s, when I was reading every Anya Seton book I could find, I read Katherine, a historical romance about the romance between the eponymous Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, the third surviving son of King Edward III. One of the minor characters in the book was Julian of Norwich, and I can say with certainty that I had never heard of Julian before that book. However, in the late 1980s to date, I have purchased every book about Julian of Norwich that I could find.
In the first half of this book, the author goes deeply into the world and culture of Norwich in the mid to late 14th century, so as to place Julian in her time and place. My only caveat is that the author, on extraordinarly scant evidence, assumes facts about Julian, and then builds on these unfounded assumptions later in the book. The second half of the book deals with the Revelations themselves, with a detailed explication of Julian's theology (which is both orthodox and startlingly original).
I very much enjoyed reading this book; I only regret that it took me some six months to read it.
A little history: Julian of Norwich was a 14th century mystic in the North of England who, after having some fifteen Revelations at the age of thirty, wrote Revelations of Divine Love (a Short Text, not long after the Revelations, and a Long Text some twenty or thirty years later) about her revelations and what she learned in the Revelations about the all-encompassing love of God. It is not known precisely when she was born, when she died, or even what her name was (her anchorage in later life was attached to the Church of St. Julian). To relate some personal history, at some point in the early or mid-1970s, when I was reading every Anya Seton book I could find, I read Katherine, a historical romance about the romance between the eponymous Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, the third surviving son of King Edward III. One of the minor characters in the book was Julian of Norwich, and I can say with certainty that I had never heard of Julian before that book. However, in the late 1980s to date, I have purchased every book about Julian of Norwich that I could find.
In the first half of this book, the author goes deeply into the world and culture of Norwich in the mid to late 14th century, so as to place Julian in her time and place. My only caveat is that the author, on extraordinarly scant evidence, assumes facts about Julian, and then builds on these unfounded assumptions later in the book. The second half of the book deals with the Revelations themselves, with a detailed explication of Julian's theology (which is both orthodox and startlingly original).
I very much enjoyed reading this book; I only regret that it took me some six months to read it.
May 3, 2024
I got about half way through. I had to return to the library because it was due. I may check it out again. The author has a background in theater and acting. The first part of the book delved deeply into Julian's time and surroundings, although little is known of Julian the individual (even whether her name is Julian is unknown). Ms. Rolf's study reminded me of an actor learning as much as possible about her character. I found this part very interesting. The next part of Ms. Rolf's book was theology, which I found less interesting (I was in a Catholic seminary from 9th grade through 2nd year of college, so maybe my theology tank is full). Julian actually wrote her own theology of her visions. See my review of Julian's Revelations of Divine Love.
Read
August 29, 2017read part 1, loved it. My local library didn't own this, so I had to get it from another library, only could keep for a short time. In addition to info on Julian's probable life, there was a great deal of fascinating info on medieval life in England. I'll have to request this again so I can finish it!
April 22, 2014
One of the best discussions of Julian of Norwich's "showings" that I've ever seen. The first half of the book reviews the history of when she lived and speculates on what may have been her life. The second half discusses her writings. Easy to read, but very interesting.
July 22, 2021
Magisterial in its breadth and depth. It's the most in-depth examination of Julian's life and writing out there. It's not often that I pick up a 600 page book to read, but this one was a pleasure. Veronica Rolf is a gifted writer whose book is essential for anyone who loves Julian.
July 29, 2023
Long book. The first half is history to contextualize second half, which are Julian’s revelations. Worth it if you want to deepen your faith in Christ.
December 31, 2025
It took me almost two years to read this book and I am so glad I did! Rolf does an excellent job of explaining the background and implications of Julian’s writing. She pulls layers of meaning out of every passage. Rolf passed away this year and I imagine her sitting with Julian in heaven, marveling and rejoicing in Gods love and mercy.
This is not an easy read but well worth the effort. Life-changing.
This is not an easy read but well worth the effort. Life-changing.
July 10, 2015
This book cannot be well served in a single reading. While Julian's story fascinates, her revelations are enduring. To be mined and often considered, like splendid jewels held up to light. So no, I will never finish reading this book, though I have read cover to cover. Just open the book and see where it takes you. I highly recommend.
March 6, 2015
This book was a great tool to read while reading Julian's Showings. I loved the way Rolf gave Julian a social, political, and historical context. I also appreciated Rolf's insights into the visions of Julian.
March 20, 2024
Heretical and Anti Catholic. Lies about this woman.
April 3, 2017
Phenomenal reading about a woman who challenged the establishment and wrote a book in English, followed her passion and lived the life she drawn to live.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews