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Very Brief Histories
Julian of Norwich: A Very Brief History
Over six hundred years ago a woman known as Julian of Norwich wrote what is now regarded as one of the greatest works of literature in English. Based on a sequence of mystical visions she received in 1373, her book is called Revelations of Divine Love.
Julian lived through an age of political and religious turmoil, as well as through the misery of the Black Death, and her writing engages with timeless questions about life, love and the meaning of suffering. But who was Julian of Norwich? And what can she teach us today?
Medievalist and TV historian Janina Ramirez invites you to join her in exploring Julian's remarkable life and times, offering insights into how and why her writing has survived, and what we can learn from this fourteenth-century mystic whose work lay hidden in the shadows of her male contemporaries for far too long.
Julian lived through an age of political and religious turmoil, as well as through the misery of the Black Death, and her writing engages with timeless questions about life, love and the meaning of suffering. But who was Julian of Norwich? And what can she teach us today?
Medievalist and TV historian Janina Ramirez invites you to join her in exploring Julian's remarkable life and times, offering insights into how and why her writing has survived, and what we can learn from this fourteenth-century mystic whose work lay hidden in the shadows of her male contemporaries for far too long.
112 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2016
40 people are currently reading
746 people want to read
About the author
Janina Ramírez
10 books225 followersJanina Sara María Ramírez (née Maleczek; 7 July 1980), sometimes credited as Nina Ramírez, is a British art and cultural historian and TV presenter, based in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. She specialises in interpreting symbols and examining works of art, within their own historical context.
Ramírez went to school in Slough. She gained a degree in English literature, specialising in Old and Middle English, from St Anne's College, Oxford, before completing her postgraduate studies at the Centre for Medieval Studies, University of York. She completed an art/literature PhD on the symbolism of birds, which led to a lectureship in York's Art History Department, followed by lecturing posts at the University of Winchester, University of Warwick, and University of Oxford.
Ramírez is currently the course director on the Certificate in History of Art at Oxford University's Department for Continuing Education.
Ramírez went to school in Slough. She gained a degree in English literature, specialising in Old and Middle English, from St Anne's College, Oxford, before completing her postgraduate studies at the Centre for Medieval Studies, University of York. She completed an art/literature PhD on the symbolism of birds, which led to a lectureship in York's Art History Department, followed by lecturing posts at the University of Winchester, University of Warwick, and University of Oxford.
Ramírez is currently the course director on the Certificate in History of Art at Oxford University's Department for Continuing Education.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 22, 2017
In this short book about Julian's life, Janina Ramirez carefully describes the context in which the 'Revelations' were written. 14th century England was going through a period of immense social, political and religious turmoil, as was much of Western Europe. Julian was born in 1343, the same year as Geoffrey Chaucer. She experienced plagues and famine, a local uprising related to the Peasants' Revolt, the Hundred Years War was in progress which directly affected Norwich as traders avoided Channel ports, the Great Western Schism began in 1377 and John Wycliffe translated the Bible into English.
In 1390, Julian took anchoritic vows and entered her cell in the Church of St Julian in Norwich. An anchorite, or anchoress, was someone who withdrew from secular society to live a prayer-oriented life. They were given a form of funeral rite on entering their cell as they were considered, at least theoretically, to be dead to the living world. It was an acceptable choice for a single woman or widow in these times. There was even an instruction manual for anchoresses entitled The Ancrene Wisse. Julian's sealed cell was entered only by her servant but she had a screened window onto the street through which anyone could approach her for spiritual advice or comfort.
In 1401 Lollards, followers of Wycliffe, were subject to trials of heresy in Norwich and were burned at the stake just outside Julian's cell. Ramirez describes heresy as 'a thought crime' and Julian's work suggests that she was sympathetic to some Lollard views but was very careful to adhere to the Catholic party line in the terminology she used. The bizarre thing is that Julian makes no reference at all to the 'death, destruction, riots, war and religious anarchy' in the world outside her cell, even though she could not have failed to be aware of it. Her aim when she became an anchoress was to define universal truths that could provide hope in times of despair and she spent the rest of her life writing and rewriting her 'Revelations of Divine Love'.
Julian's identity has not been definitively proven due to lack of evidence but her unusual name has led to the theory that she was an identifiable member of a fairly wealthy family. Her visions may have been hallucinations brought on by physical or mental illness but their existence was not considered unusual in medieval times. She is clearly held in high esteem by Ramirez who has written a well-balanced, historically interesting account not only of Julian's life but also of the times in which she lived. She has included some beautiful illustrations and photographs. This book hasn't led me to want to learn more about Julian but it has satisfied my curiosity about her.
With thanks to NetGalley and SPCK for a review copy.
In 1390, Julian took anchoritic vows and entered her cell in the Church of St Julian in Norwich. An anchorite, or anchoress, was someone who withdrew from secular society to live a prayer-oriented life. They were given a form of funeral rite on entering their cell as they were considered, at least theoretically, to be dead to the living world. It was an acceptable choice for a single woman or widow in these times. There was even an instruction manual for anchoresses entitled The Ancrene Wisse. Julian's sealed cell was entered only by her servant but she had a screened window onto the street through which anyone could approach her for spiritual advice or comfort.
In 1401 Lollards, followers of Wycliffe, were subject to trials of heresy in Norwich and were burned at the stake just outside Julian's cell. Ramirez describes heresy as 'a thought crime' and Julian's work suggests that she was sympathetic to some Lollard views but was very careful to adhere to the Catholic party line in the terminology she used. The bizarre thing is that Julian makes no reference at all to the 'death, destruction, riots, war and religious anarchy' in the world outside her cell, even though she could not have failed to be aware of it. Her aim when she became an anchoress was to define universal truths that could provide hope in times of despair and she spent the rest of her life writing and rewriting her 'Revelations of Divine Love'.
Julian's identity has not been definitively proven due to lack of evidence but her unusual name has led to the theory that she was an identifiable member of a fairly wealthy family. Her visions may have been hallucinations brought on by physical or mental illness but their existence was not considered unusual in medieval times. She is clearly held in high esteem by Ramirez who has written a well-balanced, historically interesting account not only of Julian's life but also of the times in which she lived. She has included some beautiful illustrations and photographs. This book hasn't led me to want to learn more about Julian but it has satisfied my curiosity about her.
With thanks to NetGalley and SPCK for a review copy.
November 24, 2023
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review via Netgalley.
This is not normally a book I'd choose despite reading a lot of history and biographies. However, I like to challenge myself and when I heard about this book I wanted to try it.
I actually enjoyed it though I'm rather glad it is a slim volume. We're introduced to Julian of Norwich, a religious woman who wrote, in the fourteenth century Revelations of Divine Love.
I found it difficult to understand how someone would want to be an anchoress, but once it was explained more fully I could see there was more outside contact than I thought.
When learning what there is known about Julian and why she wrote her revelations I was fascinated though I believe I'd like to read a full biography on her more should more information be discovered about her and gain more knowledge than this book supplies as this is not really what it's for.
Strong women who leave their mark in a difficult history are always worth reading about as well as learning more about her revelations. I should probably read those too now that I feel I know her better. I'd love to read about the nuns at Cambrai also.
I'd recommend anyone try this book and others by Janina Ramirez.
This is not normally a book I'd choose despite reading a lot of history and biographies. However, I like to challenge myself and when I heard about this book I wanted to try it.
I actually enjoyed it though I'm rather glad it is a slim volume. We're introduced to Julian of Norwich, a religious woman who wrote, in the fourteenth century Revelations of Divine Love.
I found it difficult to understand how someone would want to be an anchoress, but once it was explained more fully I could see there was more outside contact than I thought.
When learning what there is known about Julian and why she wrote her revelations I was fascinated though I believe I'd like to read a full biography on her more should more information be discovered about her and gain more knowledge than this book supplies as this is not really what it's for.
Strong women who leave their mark in a difficult history are always worth reading about as well as learning more about her revelations. I should probably read those too now that I feel I know her better. I'd love to read about the nuns at Cambrai also.
I'd recommend anyone try this book and others by Janina Ramirez.
November 4, 2016
This book does what it says in the cover, giving a "very brief history" of the English woman Julian of Norwich. What it also does is to make you want to read more and learn more about the time she lives.
There are so many interesting threads in Dr Janina Ramirez's book, that you could easily end up buying another four books to follow the story. Most of all you want to read Julian's actual writing, called "Revelations of Divine Love" but then you want to read instructions for being an anchoress. She was part of a mediaeval tradition where people were walled into a small cell joined to a church and spent often years in a solitary contemplative isolation.
I remember learning of Julian when I studied mediaeval history, but as with many aspects it was only a brief reference and there was no time to follow it up. It has taken me nearly thirty years to get back to Julian, and this short book is an excellent starting place. I wish I lived closer to Norwich, so that I could visit the small church of St Julian where she was walled up for 26 years.
Julian's book, written in the late 1300s, is in English, not Latin which was most common at the time. She is the first woman to write in English and the story of how her manuscript survived first the reformation and then the French Revolution is fascinating too.
So this short book tells us something of Julian herself, of fourteenth century Norwich decimated by the Black Death, the state of mediaeval religion, the life of an anchoress, mediaeval art and mysticism and the subsequent history of Julian's work. Plenty to fit into ninety pages and expertly put across to fire your interest and enthusiasm. Time for me to buy some more books on this topic.
There are so many interesting threads in Dr Janina Ramirez's book, that you could easily end up buying another four books to follow the story. Most of all you want to read Julian's actual writing, called "Revelations of Divine Love" but then you want to read instructions for being an anchoress. She was part of a mediaeval tradition where people were walled into a small cell joined to a church and spent often years in a solitary contemplative isolation.
I remember learning of Julian when I studied mediaeval history, but as with many aspects it was only a brief reference and there was no time to follow it up. It has taken me nearly thirty years to get back to Julian, and this short book is an excellent starting place. I wish I lived closer to Norwich, so that I could visit the small church of St Julian where she was walled up for 26 years.
Julian's book, written in the late 1300s, is in English, not Latin which was most common at the time. She is the first woman to write in English and the story of how her manuscript survived first the reformation and then the French Revolution is fascinating too.
So this short book tells us something of Julian herself, of fourteenth century Norwich decimated by the Black Death, the state of mediaeval religion, the life of an anchoress, mediaeval art and mysticism and the subsequent history of Julian's work. Plenty to fit into ninety pages and expertly put across to fire your interest and enthusiasm. Time for me to buy some more books on this topic.
April 20, 2018
Concise, well-researched, clearly and accessibly written, this “brief” history of Julian of Norwich is an excellent introduction to the woman and her writings. Ramirez places her in her time and place and explores the background events of this turbulent time in the Middle Ages. She follows the history of the manuscript itself, and makes clear just why someone would want to be an anchoress – a life that I now realise wasn’t one of complete isolation. Enjoyable and informative.
April 17, 2024
A delightfully written, short but informative account of Julian of Norwich and her Revelations of Divine Love. Ramirez does a fantastic job of covering the little we do know about Julian and also the context and times in which she was writing, and taking the reader through some of the main themes of Julian's text, before providing a brief but fascinating overview of how the text has survived to this day. Very readable and a positive introduction to Julian and her work and legacy.
May 7, 2024
Albeit brief and succinct, this book does an excellent job at introducing Julian of Norwich to new readers and also providing more historic context to those already familiar with her and "Revelations of Divine Love". It is clear Ramírez has deep appreciation for Julian, her story and her writing and this cannot help but translate into the reader.
July 29, 2023
I’m so passionate about julien and I love that I share that with the author I can’t really explain why julien means so much to me but she does and I love to see it recognised and learn more things about her
The last page made me cry
The last page made me cry
August 9, 2025
Amazing, highly recommend!
Janina Ramirez does a splendid work on introducing the amazing and enigmatic Julian of Norwich. For a short introduction I think it’s very good and it encapsulates all the important aspects that have to be taken into consideration when exploring Julian’s work, and Ramirez does so in a very engaging way, you can feel the admiration she has for Julian pouring out of each page.
«All shall be well, all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well»
Janina Ramirez does a splendid work on introducing the amazing and enigmatic Julian of Norwich. For a short introduction I think it’s very good and it encapsulates all the important aspects that have to be taken into consideration when exploring Julian’s work, and Ramirez does so in a very engaging way, you can feel the admiration she has for Julian pouring out of each page.
«All shall be well, all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well»
January 31, 2018
Lovely, short, well-written introduction to Julian of Norwich and life as she knew it. An excellent companion to Ramirez's programme on the publication of "Revelations of Divine Love" and Julian's life.
January 11, 2021
Excellent introduction to Julian of Norwich
November 21, 2025
Perfect introduction into Julian and the importance of keeping her story alive. One again Janina does such a wonderful job of pulling you into a sacred text and personal with the utmost respect and love for who she is writing about
October 15, 2016
Wanted to like this quite a bit more than I did.
Pros:
1) Concise, as the title promises, and covers the fundamentals. Solid intro.
2) Ramirez's writing style is mostly engaging and her prose steers clear of academic turgidity.
3) Intrinsically fascinating subject (for me at least).
Cons:
1) 1a) Unfortunately Ramirez's book is let down by poor editing. She writes, for example, that "Her use of repetition, particularly in patterns of three, are perhaps self-taught..." which should be "is/was" not "are." Or later: "Given the transcendentalist's approach that society, its institutions, politics and religion all corrupt, we could see..." is missing an "are" or perhaps the "are" should replace the "all." There are a few other line-level items. 1b) Ramirez tends to repeat herself, producing the same statement two or three times using just slightly different combinations of words. Editor should have cleaned this up as well, specially considering the brevity of the book.
2) Though this is a "very brief history" it doesn't really proceed in chronological order. The overall arc of the story does, but there are numerous thematic asides that speak to other organizational principles.
3) Missed opportunities to provide relevant substance to the reader. For example, on page 35 Ramirez notes that Julian "echoes the ideas of Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, to name but two." This is a very broad statement. Which ideas, specifically? In a paragraph or two, Ramirez could have performed a short comparative analysis, which I would have found enlightening. And so on.
In short, I was disappointed and would recommend that if you want to learn the basics about Julian or Norwich and the Revelations of Divine Love you should watch Ramirez's excellent BBC documentary instead.
Pros:
1) Concise, as the title promises, and covers the fundamentals. Solid intro.
2) Ramirez's writing style is mostly engaging and her prose steers clear of academic turgidity.
3) Intrinsically fascinating subject (for me at least).
Cons:
1) 1a) Unfortunately Ramirez's book is let down by poor editing. She writes, for example, that "Her use of repetition, particularly in patterns of three, are perhaps self-taught..." which should be "is/was" not "are." Or later: "Given the transcendentalist's approach that society, its institutions, politics and religion all corrupt, we could see..." is missing an "are" or perhaps the "are" should replace the "all." There are a few other line-level items. 1b) Ramirez tends to repeat herself, producing the same statement two or three times using just slightly different combinations of words. Editor should have cleaned this up as well, specially considering the brevity of the book.
2) Though this is a "very brief history" it doesn't really proceed in chronological order. The overall arc of the story does, but there are numerous thematic asides that speak to other organizational principles.
3) Missed opportunities to provide relevant substance to the reader. For example, on page 35 Ramirez notes that Julian "echoes the ideas of Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, to name but two." This is a very broad statement. Which ideas, specifically? In a paragraph or two, Ramirez could have performed a short comparative analysis, which I would have found enlightening. And so on.
In short, I was disappointed and would recommend that if you want to learn the basics about Julian or Norwich and the Revelations of Divine Love you should watch Ramirez's excellent BBC documentary instead.
March 21, 2017
Book received from NetGalley.
The first time I had ever heard about Julian of Norwich was in my first British Literature class and I was fascinated by her. Her "Revelations of a Divine Love" are the earliest known surviving by a female writer. As soon as I saw this offered on NetGalley I requested it hoping to learn a bit more about this unique nun. Since Julian of Norwich lived in the Medieval era there is very little that can be found out about her life, prior to her becoming an anchoress. The book gives a bit more insight into her writing and just how rare something like this is. I suggest the book for those who study literature and history both since it will give more information on women writers in Medieval Britain.
The first time I had ever heard about Julian of Norwich was in my first British Literature class and I was fascinated by her. Her "Revelations of a Divine Love" are the earliest known surviving by a female writer. As soon as I saw this offered on NetGalley I requested it hoping to learn a bit more about this unique nun. Since Julian of Norwich lived in the Medieval era there is very little that can be found out about her life, prior to her becoming an anchoress. The book gives a bit more insight into her writing and just how rare something like this is. I suggest the book for those who study literature and history both since it will give more information on women writers in Medieval Britain.
July 3, 2025
When we think about the most impactful women authors, we often think about writers like Agatha Christie, Mary Shelley, and Jane Austen. However, when it comes to religious texts, we have to go back in time centuries. We think about nuns like Bridget of Sweden and a mother of 14 children named Margery Kempe. Yet, we must include an anchorite who stayed in her cell for almost thirty years. Her book, Revelations of Divine Love, is considered the first great work of English prose, but many people are not familiar with the author until now. Janina Ramirez tells the story of Julian of Norwich and how impactful her book was in her book, “Julian of Norwich: A Very Brief History.”
I have heard the name Julian of Norwich before in books about the 14th century and church history, but I didn’t know much about her life. I saw this book when I was preordering the latest book by Janina Ramirez, and so I decided to give it a try.
Since this is a short book, I will try to keep this review brief. Ramirez divided this biography into sections: the history and the legacy. In history, we as readers learn about Julian’s life from the limited sources that we have about her, as well as learning about how England and Europe changed during her lifetime. It was a chaotic period in the past with the Bubonic plague, the Hundred Years’ War, the Great Western Schism, the Peasants’ Revolt, and John Wycliffe. Let’s be honest, it's a lot to deal with, but Julian was positive in her anchorite cell. Ramirez shows how complex yet hopeful and full of love Revelations of Divine Love is while showing the theological arguments Julian of Norwich makes in her work of prose. Finally, we get to see how Julian of Norwich’s story and her writing survived for centuries.
This was a delightful little nugget of a book that was extremely well researched, that shone a light on an obscure medieval woman writer. Reading this book gave me a new appreciation for medieval female authors. If you want to learn more about this remarkable woman, I suggest you read “Julian of Norwich: A Very Brief History” by Janina Ramirez.
I have heard the name Julian of Norwich before in books about the 14th century and church history, but I didn’t know much about her life. I saw this book when I was preordering the latest book by Janina Ramirez, and so I decided to give it a try.
Since this is a short book, I will try to keep this review brief. Ramirez divided this biography into sections: the history and the legacy. In history, we as readers learn about Julian’s life from the limited sources that we have about her, as well as learning about how England and Europe changed during her lifetime. It was a chaotic period in the past with the Bubonic plague, the Hundred Years’ War, the Great Western Schism, the Peasants’ Revolt, and John Wycliffe. Let’s be honest, it's a lot to deal with, but Julian was positive in her anchorite cell. Ramirez shows how complex yet hopeful and full of love Revelations of Divine Love is while showing the theological arguments Julian of Norwich makes in her work of prose. Finally, we get to see how Julian of Norwich’s story and her writing survived for centuries.
This was a delightful little nugget of a book that was extremely well researched, that shone a light on an obscure medieval woman writer. Reading this book gave me a new appreciation for medieval female authors. If you want to learn more about this remarkable woman, I suggest you read “Julian of Norwich: A Very Brief History” by Janina Ramirez.
February 17, 2020
This was a Slightly Foxed recommendation. I am intimidated by Julian of Norwich's writing so was delighted to hear of this VERY BRIEF history. It was an excellent introduction with a few superb quotes. From page 64:
" When she describes how, in the fifth revelation, she saw evil incarnate in the devil, and how it was
rendered redundant by the Passion of Christ, she describes laughing:
'At the sight of this I laughed heartily, and that made those who were around me to laugh,
and their laughter was a pleasure to me. In my thoughts I wished that all my fellow
Christians had seen what I saw, and then they would all have laughed with me. (Chapter 13)'"
I appreciated that Ramirez did not allow various philosophies to co-opt Julian and make her something she was not.
The one thing that was missing was recommendations of how to ease further into Julian's writing. The two dense pages of 'further reading' with titles like 'Julian of Norwich and the Mystical Body Politic of Christ' don't sound like a gradual transition from a very brief history to full text of Revelations of Divine Love.
" When she describes how, in the fifth revelation, she saw evil incarnate in the devil, and how it was
rendered redundant by the Passion of Christ, she describes laughing:
'At the sight of this I laughed heartily, and that made those who were around me to laugh,
and their laughter was a pleasure to me. In my thoughts I wished that all my fellow
Christians had seen what I saw, and then they would all have laughed with me. (Chapter 13)'"
I appreciated that Ramirez did not allow various philosophies to co-opt Julian and make her something she was not.
The one thing that was missing was recommendations of how to ease further into Julian's writing. The two dense pages of 'further reading' with titles like 'Julian of Norwich and the Mystical Body Politic of Christ' don't sound like a gradual transition from a very brief history to full text of Revelations of Divine Love.
July 6, 2021
There's quite a lot to be said in favour of this little book; it is the more potent for its brevity and it covers with concision the context in which Julian lived, as well as the extraordinary way in which the text was created initially and was kept safe and handed down through English nuns in France, finally being well translated buy a Scots Presbyterian woman.All of this is surprising and rather encouraging. I was impressed by the way in which Ramirez handled the theology - I for one had never heard of mediaeval prayer nuts but knowing about them does make sense of Julian's analogy with the hazelnut -and so for anyone wanting a good, brief introduction to Julian of Norwich this would be an excellent choice.
September 3, 2022
I have a Catholic friend that has been guiding me through a study of Julian of Norwich, a 14th-15th century English mystic who had a series of visions of Christ during a life-threatening illness at age 30. She spent about the last 25 years of her life as an "anchoress," which means she was voluntarily committed to a tiny room connected to the cathedral that she never left and no one else ever entered, although she did have a window through which she could view the world and communicate with others. During this time she wrote a longer account of her visions, which is the earliest written work written in English by a woman. This book gives great background on the writings with a focus on the historical setting.
August 16, 2023
all that is lovely….
Ms. Ramirez’s focus on Julian as a very real person uncovers layers of a truly remarkable life of love and sacrifice. In her daily responsibilities as an anchoress in the striving, difficult and tragic post-plague Norwich, Julian is the very soul of day to day compassion and common sense counsel and strength. Oh, but all the while a written work of such hope , Revelations, was silently, diligently and secretly being written out in the faith and hope that her visions would secure peace of heart and the realization of the love of God for future generations, people she would never know….truly amazing. A light shining in the darkness!
Ms. Ramirez’s focus on Julian as a very real person uncovers layers of a truly remarkable life of love and sacrifice. In her daily responsibilities as an anchoress in the striving, difficult and tragic post-plague Norwich, Julian is the very soul of day to day compassion and common sense counsel and strength. Oh, but all the while a written work of such hope , Revelations, was silently, diligently and secretly being written out in the faith and hope that her visions would secure peace of heart and the realization of the love of God for future generations, people she would never know….truly amazing. A light shining in the darkness!
December 19, 2018
Although there are some editorial oversights, I found this book to be a compelling and informative introduction to Julian of Norwich, as well as some background info about medieval England. I actually bought it as a gift for my mum as we are visiting St. Julian's in Norwich in February, and I wanted to check that it was written from a historical perspective rather than a religious one since she isn't religious. It would definitely appeal to Christians and non-Christians, and at less than 100 pages, it is the perfect length for a book of its kind - aimed at the masses, and holds interest.
October 7, 2019
Less than 100 pages, this is worth the read if you are interested in having a little more historical context about Julian of Norwich. In the 14th Century, at the age of 30, she received 16 revelations from God which she recorded in a small manuscript called Revelations of Divine Love. Given the treatment of women, particularly those who received visions, it is a miracle that much is known about her. This is one of Julian's famous quotes, "all shall be well, all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well."
February 4, 2018
A good entry level book into the life of the 14th century mystic, Julian of Norwich. A woman of obscure origins, who, have what is described today as a "near death experience" goes on to write an account (Revelations of Divine Love) of what was spiritually revealed to her during this time - the first ever book written by an Englishwoman.
Ramirez's book deals with the history and the legacy, which lasted generations after her death.
Ramirez's book deals with the history and the legacy, which lasted generations after her death.
April 1, 2018
This book was absolutely fantastic. This book opened my eyes and made me think of so many things that I never considered in my day to day life. It’s a a very well written book that explains the the key part of Julian’s Revelations of Divine Love in a lucid and comprehensive way whilst still keeping that essence of Julian. I recommend this book to everybody. It duh a brilliant and worthwhile read. Thank you Dr Janina Ramirez for opening my mind to so many incredible thought!
November 17, 2017
An truly excellent book
Dr Ramirez is one of my favourite academics and authors, and this short introduction to Julian is a compact, but still noteworthy contribution. Her writing flows well, and is accessible, but still scholarly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read The private life of saints!!
Dr Ramirez is one of my favourite academics and authors, and this short introduction to Julian is a compact, but still noteworthy contribution. Her writing flows well, and is accessible, but still scholarly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read The private life of saints!!
May 8, 2018
It didn't actually take me as long as it appears, I read the book in two sittings, and on th second I've questioned why it took me so long to pick back up. Ramirez provides a fantastic "brief history" to Julian's story, it is engaging and thought provoking. A book I would recommend to anyone with an interest in the fourteenth century world.
January 13, 2020
It's brief. It's a good introduction and I do now want to know more about both Julian and her writings (and especially the theological debate around her work both at the time, during the Reformation and now) which is a good sign with an introductory text. But also I can't give it more than 3 stars because it is so brief. But a good short read.
February 22, 2021
Good introduction
The author sets the medieval scene and context in which Julian lived and wrote down her visions. This short book is a very engaging read. There is a helpful Further Reading section to get stuck into. Plenty of suggestions and descriptions of the different translations to choose from. The inclusion of photos at the end was a lovely touch to end on.
The author sets the medieval scene and context in which Julian lived and wrote down her visions. This short book is a very engaging read. There is a helpful Further Reading section to get stuck into. Plenty of suggestions and descriptions of the different translations to choose from. The inclusion of photos at the end was a lovely touch to end on.
September 30, 2024
Short volume on Julian of Norwich who has garnered a lot of interest in recent years. She’s the origin of the Instagram friendly quote
"All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well"
Her life was fascinating and her theology even more so. Ramirez writes a workmanlike brief overview.
"All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well"
Her life was fascinating and her theology even more so. Ramirez writes a workmanlike brief overview.
November 13, 2025
As an introduction to the life and thought of Julian of Norwich, this is pretty good.
But, annoyingly, if you know much about Julian of Norwich, you probably know most of what's in this book.
It's nice and short: I could have done with it being longer.
The most interesting bit is about how her teaching was preserved.
But, annoyingly, if you know much about Julian of Norwich, you probably know most of what's in this book.
It's nice and short: I could have done with it being longer.
The most interesting bit is about how her teaching was preserved.
December 25, 2017
Concise, informative, straightforwardly presented, this is a great introduction/background/commentary to Julian of Norwich and her Revelations Of Divine Love. The perfect companion piece to that wonderful, mystical text.
September 16, 2023
After reading about Julian of Norwich in Femina by Ramirez and the wonderful short novel For Thy Great Pain Have Mercy On My Little Pain by Victoria Mackenzie, I wanted to know more. This was ideal. Now I need to get a copy of Julian's book itself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews