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Explorer's Guides
An Explorer's Guide to Julian of Norwich
"All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well."
Julian of Norwich's Revelations of Divine Love is truly an astounding work: an inspired example of Christian mysticism, a unique contribution to Christian theology, the first book in English known to have been written by a woman.
But it can also be a daunting work. Veronica Mary Rolf, who has been studying Julian's text for decades, serves as a trustworthy guide for readers willing to take up and read Julian's work.
Rolf not only sets Julian's life and text in its fourteenth-century context, but she also sheds light on each of Julian's sixteen revelations. She then digs deeper into Julian's theological themes, including her innovative mystical theology of the "motherhood of God," and she offers a chapter on developing a retreat based on Julian's work. Throughout, Rolf takes a deeply contemplative approach to Julian, illuminating our understanding of this extraordinary woman, her enduring work, and the revelation that "all shall be well."
Julian of Norwich's Revelations of Divine Love is truly an astounding work: an inspired example of Christian mysticism, a unique contribution to Christian theology, the first book in English known to have been written by a woman.
But it can also be a daunting work. Veronica Mary Rolf, who has been studying Julian's text for decades, serves as a trustworthy guide for readers willing to take up and read Julian's work.
Rolf not only sets Julian's life and text in its fourteenth-century context, but she also sheds light on each of Julian's sixteen revelations. She then digs deeper into Julian's theological themes, including her innovative mystical theology of the "motherhood of God," and she offers a chapter on developing a retreat based on Julian's work. Throughout, Rolf takes a deeply contemplative approach to Julian, illuminating our understanding of this extraordinary woman, her enduring work, and the revelation that "all shall be well."
240 pages, Paperback
Published June 12, 2018
33 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Mary Rolf
6 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 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 5, 2018
I know very little about her, though I've heard her referenced before, and read snippets from her revelations over the years. So it was a pleasure to read the recently released 240 page softback, "An Explorer's Guide to Julian of Norwich" penned by Veronica Mary Rolf. This little volume is all about Julian of Norwich and is ideal for the delver and dabbler alike.
"An Explorer's Guide to Julian of Norwich" is exactly what the title declares. The first part of the book goes into the history and context of Julian of Norwich, chronicling both her life and her sitz im leben (setting in life). It is easily digestible, giving enough of Julian's situation to help the reader appreciate where she was, what was her moment in history, and how the text we have today came to us. The first part of the book ends with a glossary of the Middle English words Julian used, which I referenced several times while reading the second section.
The last two-thirds of the book is primarily dedicated to Julian's sixteen "revelations"as they appear in her longer text. The author gives the reader a sequential synopsis of each revelation, where significant portions of the text are quoted, and then Rolf interjects her explanatory comments. In the author's explanatory notes it was difficult at times to tell if she was reading Julian of Norwich correctly, or not. The universalistic leanings, the idea that there is no wrath in God, and the motherhood of Christ are just a few of the subjects that left me wondering if Rolf had accurately picked up Julian's meanings, or had interjected her own. The only way to find out would be to delve into the full longer text on my own. The book ends with a summary of themes and an example of how to use the book in a retreat setting.
In the end, the explorer gains an appreciative idea of what Julian of Norwich wrote. And for one who has never picked up her revelations, or looked into her life, it was quite helpful. I'm not sure I could use the book in a retreat, but it does lend itself to helping Julian-novices like myself become interested and mildly informed. I recommend the book.
"An Explorer's Guide to Julian of Norwich" is exactly what the title declares. The first part of the book goes into the history and context of Julian of Norwich, chronicling both her life and her sitz im leben (setting in life). It is easily digestible, giving enough of Julian's situation to help the reader appreciate where she was, what was her moment in history, and how the text we have today came to us. The first part of the book ends with a glossary of the Middle English words Julian used, which I referenced several times while reading the second section.
The last two-thirds of the book is primarily dedicated to Julian's sixteen "revelations"as they appear in her longer text. The author gives the reader a sequential synopsis of each revelation, where significant portions of the text are quoted, and then Rolf interjects her explanatory comments. In the author's explanatory notes it was difficult at times to tell if she was reading Julian of Norwich correctly, or not. The universalistic leanings, the idea that there is no wrath in God, and the motherhood of Christ are just a few of the subjects that left me wondering if Rolf had accurately picked up Julian's meanings, or had interjected her own. The only way to find out would be to delve into the full longer text on my own. The book ends with a summary of themes and an example of how to use the book in a retreat setting.
In the end, the explorer gains an appreciative idea of what Julian of Norwich wrote. And for one who has never picked up her revelations, or looked into her life, it was quite helpful. I'm not sure I could use the book in a retreat, but it does lend itself to helping Julian-novices like myself become interested and mildly informed. I recommend the book.
October 23, 2018
I first heard the name Julian of Norwich from the pages of Richard Foster, but although I've appreciated the snippets from her books via quotes and selected paragraphs, I've never really taken the time to explore who she is and the works she has written.
Thankfully, in her book, An Explorer's Guide to Julian of Norwich, author Veronica Mary Rolf does the hard work and research, then carefully guides the reader into the life of this intriguing and beautiful Christian of the 14th century.
The book is divided into two parts: Getting to Know Julian of Norwich and Exploring the Revelations of Divine Love. Each part has subsections which narrow the focus to specific questions, topics, and timelines of Julian of Norwich's life and work. Rolf does an impeccable job of carefully and thoroughly examining key information to enrich the reader of not just facts or information concerning Julian herself, but many of the surrounding topics with which she is associated.
Admittedly, although this book was a bit of a challenge due to the breadth of new information and historical material, it was a well received and much enjoyable read. The included glossary was a helpful addition to push me through any sticking points in the unheard and unknown terms and vocabulary of Julian of Norwich.
If you find yourself wanting to dive in and explore the life of Julian of Norwich, there is no better place to start than An Explorer's Guide to Julian of Norwich.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary publicity copy from the publisher (IVP Books). (This in no way affected my honest review of the book)
Thankfully, in her book, An Explorer's Guide to Julian of Norwich, author Veronica Mary Rolf does the hard work and research, then carefully guides the reader into the life of this intriguing and beautiful Christian of the 14th century.
The book is divided into two parts: Getting to Know Julian of Norwich and Exploring the Revelations of Divine Love. Each part has subsections which narrow the focus to specific questions, topics, and timelines of Julian of Norwich's life and work. Rolf does an impeccable job of carefully and thoroughly examining key information to enrich the reader of not just facts or information concerning Julian herself, but many of the surrounding topics with which she is associated.
Admittedly, although this book was a bit of a challenge due to the breadth of new information and historical material, it was a well received and much enjoyable read. The included glossary was a helpful addition to push me through any sticking points in the unheard and unknown terms and vocabulary of Julian of Norwich.
If you find yourself wanting to dive in and explore the life of Julian of Norwich, there is no better place to start than An Explorer's Guide to Julian of Norwich.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary publicity copy from the publisher (IVP Books). (This in no way affected my honest review of the book)
August 13, 2021
Non-fiction. Julian of Norwich (1343 to after 1416) was a woman devoted to her Christian faith. She was not a nun but in later years became an anchorite. As a young woman she prayed for three things: 1. the mind of Christ's passion, 2. a bodily sickness at the age of 30, and 3. the gifts of contrition, compassion and a longing for God. Each of these prayers was fulfilled. In the mid-13oos she wrote of the 16 visions she had from God during her great illness. In around 1393 she became an anchorite so she could expand on her visions with new insights Jesus had given her in prayer. An anchorite is a woman who gives up the world to live in a single cell for the rest of her life to be devoted to prayer. Truly this was a woman who gave her heart, soul and body to God. Julian is considered a Christian mystic. As the author points out, "authentic mysticism never contradicts or supersedes Christian doctrine." The book is divided into two parts. The first part is about Julian, the world she lived in, and the terms she used. The second part deals with the 16 Revelations and their meanings.
I first read Julian's text in the original English, which was confusing. I then read a modern transnational, which I would advise anyone to do if they are interested in her writings. Julian is best known for these words Christ said to her in one of her vision, "All shall be well."
I first read Julian's text in the original English, which was confusing. I then read a modern transnational, which I would advise anyone to do if they are interested in her writings. Julian is best known for these words Christ said to her in one of her vision, "All shall be well."
December 12, 2022
The heart of the Explorer's Guide series is to introduce you to theologians whose writings intimidate you. I had never read Julian and had only heard of her in passing. I have been wary of the mystics and monks because I rarely understand them. I knew that Julian wrote about visions she had and lived alone mostly walled into a cell. I couldn't comprehend why her writings would grab people.
This book does a wonderful job of introducing you to who Julian was and why her writings mattered. It provides a masterful short biography that is brief but is not lacking in depth. The bulk of the book slowly works through her visions/revelations. It would even serve as a useful guide for you to read alongside Julian's work to keep you from getting lost. This book is an invaluable tool for those who want some help understanding Julian's work.
If you want to study Julian but don't know where to start or are a novice to her writings, then this is a great book for you. Personally, I love this series and hope it continues.
This book does a wonderful job of introducing you to who Julian was and why her writings mattered. It provides a masterful short biography that is brief but is not lacking in depth. The bulk of the book slowly works through her visions/revelations. It would even serve as a useful guide for you to read alongside Julian's work to keep you from getting lost. This book is an invaluable tool for those who want some help understanding Julian's work.
If you want to study Julian but don't know where to start or are a novice to her writings, then this is a great book for you. Personally, I love this series and hope it continues.
October 27, 2020
A worthwhile overview of the major themes in Julian's revelations as well as a helpful discussion of the historical context. Throughout this book, Rolf references her earlier, much more comprehensive work, Julian's Gospel. My sense is that the explorer's guide is a condensed version. As good as this book is, I'm afraid Rolf doesn't fully emphasize the sheer audacity of Julian's implied assertion of universal salvation. For in the end, how can all be well if not all are saved? It was a question Julian wrestled with for decades since what our Lord revealed to her from the crucifix contradicted the traditional teaching of the church. And of course, Julian had to be cautious in what she wrote for if her book had fallen into the wrong hands, it could have cost her her life. Not so for Veronica Mary Rolf who I wish had been as bold in her interpretation of this spiritual classic as Julian was in writing it.
October 13, 2019
This book is a useful 'companion' if you want to get a better grip on Julian's writing, which can be quite hard to penetrate unaided. It's no page turner, but definitely useful.
I also enjoyed the historical information about Julian and the world she lived in, although having read a few things about her, found that this information is quite repetitive of other sources. Owing to the fact that not much is known about Julian before she became an anchoress, the little that has been inferred/speculated seems to get rehashed.
All that said, I continue to be enchanted by Julian and hope that someone writes a Mark Twain Joan of Arc style novel about her fascinating life and theology (not me though, I'm not creative enough).
I also enjoyed the historical information about Julian and the world she lived in, although having read a few things about her, found that this information is quite repetitive of other sources. Owing to the fact that not much is known about Julian before she became an anchoress, the little that has been inferred/speculated seems to get rehashed.
All that said, I continue to be enchanted by Julian and hope that someone writes a Mark Twain Joan of Arc style novel about her fascinating life and theology (not me though, I'm not creative enough).
February 1, 2019
DNF.
The book is divided into two parts. I thought the first part was very good and would give that part 4 stars. It is an easy to read and instructive account of who Julian was. This is the best short biography on her that I have read. However, I thought that the book lost steam when the focus shifted to her writings and the interpretations. As I have mentioned in other books on/by Julian, it may need a particular mindset to get into the visions that she has. I was not in that mindset, and ended up picking up another book instead, as the second part wasn't holding my interest.
The book is divided into two parts. I thought the first part was very good and would give that part 4 stars. It is an easy to read and instructive account of who Julian was. This is the best short biography on her that I have read. However, I thought that the book lost steam when the focus shifted to her writings and the interpretations. As I have mentioned in other books on/by Julian, it may need a particular mindset to get into the visions that she has. I was not in that mindset, and ended up picking up another book instead, as the second part wasn't holding my interest.
February 25, 2020
(Context: Read for a theology book club.)
I'd already read Julian in college for a Medieval Literature course, but this companion guide to her revelations was a nice, compact refresher. The layout is easy on the eyes and to-the-point, and the glossary is especially helpful. Definitely a good, accessible source for those wanting more knowledge on Julian's context/historical importance/particularity.
I'd already read Julian in college for a Medieval Literature course, but this companion guide to her revelations was a nice, compact refresher. The layout is easy on the eyes and to-the-point, and the glossary is especially helpful. Definitely a good, accessible source for those wanting more knowledge on Julian's context/historical importance/particularity.
April 1, 2021
This was an introduction of Julian for me; previously, I'd only read basic facts about her and her writing. This was approachable and informative. I appreciated the context of the culture Julian experienced. The book presents an appropriate balance of Julian's words with summarized & expounded themes.
I am encouraged by Julian's Revelations & I look forward to learning more from her as time goes on.
I am encouraged by Julian's Revelations & I look forward to learning more from her as time goes on.
March 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️for the book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️for Julian of Norwich
The first half of the book describes the huge upheavals of the 14th century. I did much googling and Wikipedia-ing to clarify. But fascinating to know what wild times Julian lived in.
The second half walks through each of Julian’s revelations, or visions.
Such a beautiful theology. No hierarchy, no shame. She truly envisions what it means if God is love.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️for Julian of Norwich
The first half of the book describes the huge upheavals of the 14th century. I did much googling and Wikipedia-ing to clarify. But fascinating to know what wild times Julian lived in.
The second half walks through each of Julian’s revelations, or visions.
Such a beautiful theology. No hierarchy, no shame. She truly envisions what it means if God is love.
June 15, 2019
I couldn't finish it. I'm not sure why. I was interested in Julian's social and religious context, and the story of her revelations, but I got bogged down in the explanations of the revelations. It felt a bit pedantic.
August 17, 2023
This was a good introduction to Julian of Norwich, but it had more interpretation and application of Julian's visions than I expected.
May 7, 2024
An essential entrance into the time, thoughts and mystic experiences of Julian of Norwich.
September 14, 2024
198 p. Non-fiction
Basic info on Julian’s life theological themes of her 16 revelations.
Basic info on Julian’s life theological themes of her 16 revelations.
February 12, 2023
My evangelical upbringing taught me stories of Biblical saints and modern missionaries but avoided the Catholic saints. When I discovered Julian of Norwich, I immediately wanted to learn more about Julian and her Revelations of Divine Love. An Explorer’s Guide to Julian of Norwich by Veronica Mary Rolf proved to be an excellent introduction that examined Julian’s life, culture, spiritual experiences, and written texts.
I devoured Part One of An Explorer’s Guide to Julian of Norwich. This section contained plenty of research, including citations, and carried my interest without seeming overloaded. However, Part Two holds the shining star of the book: Chapter 6 - A Guided Tour of Julian’s Revelations. Here, I found myself captivated by Julian’s experiences, but reading slowly as her intense visions and deep explanations called for careful consideration. Most (but not all) of Julian’s conclusions fit within the Protestant belief system, and God’s immense love for his children threads through each vision. Although the author’s explication of the Revelations of Divine Love filled most of the chapter, Rolf frequently used quotes from Julian’s texts which included some of Julian’s Middle English spelling.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading An Explorer’s Guide to Julian of Norwich by Veronica Mary Rolf and I hope to soon read this author’s translation of Julian’s Revelations of Divine Love. I learned much from this book: Julian’s biography, historical details, and spiritual insights. Five stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
I devoured Part One of An Explorer’s Guide to Julian of Norwich. This section contained plenty of research, including citations, and carried my interest without seeming overloaded. However, Part Two holds the shining star of the book: Chapter 6 - A Guided Tour of Julian’s Revelations. Here, I found myself captivated by Julian’s experiences, but reading slowly as her intense visions and deep explanations called for careful consideration. Most (but not all) of Julian’s conclusions fit within the Protestant belief system, and God’s immense love for his children threads through each vision. Although the author’s explication of the Revelations of Divine Love filled most of the chapter, Rolf frequently used quotes from Julian’s texts which included some of Julian’s Middle English spelling.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading An Explorer’s Guide to Julian of Norwich by Veronica Mary Rolf and I hope to soon read this author’s translation of Julian’s Revelations of Divine Love. I learned much from this book: Julian’s biography, historical details, and spiritual insights. Five stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews