Elisabeth of Schönau

Book excerpt: In this Classic of Western Spirituality(TM) readers will find the first English translation of the complete works of Elisabeth of Schönau, a twelfth-century Benedictine nun who claimed to have a series of extraordinary visionary experiences. In the complete works of Elisabeth are: -- three visionary diaries: First, Second and Third Book of Visions; -- a book of sermons, The Book of the Ways of God; -- Revelations about the Sacred Company of the Virgins of Cologne; -- The Resurrection of the Blessed Virgin; -- a collection of Elisabeth's letters; -- and a text describing Elisabeth's last days by her brother and secretary, Eckbert. Elisabeth's prophetic message brought consolation to the people of her day and a call for firmness of faith and the moral life. Today's readers will gain insight into how the communal, liturgical culture of a Benedictine monastery could shape the interior life and prophetic identity of a woman committed to its ideals. The audience for this book will be broad: -- historians, theologians and students of -- mysticism and spirituality -- women's religious life -- monastic life -- medieval culture -- hagiography +