1. Medieval Mysticism: Selected Studies
2. Bendictine & Cistercian Monasticism: Classic Texts
3. Francis of Assisi & the Franciscans: Classic Texts
4. Dominic, Meister Eckhart, & the Dominican Mystics: Classic Texts
5. Other Medieval Mystics: Classic Texts

1. Medieval Mysticism:  Selected Studies

See the Bibliographies for Theology: Medieval Christianity (http://camellia.shc.edu/theology) for a more complete listing of books on the history and theology of the medieval Church. The following are limited to works focused on the spirituality:

• Bernard McGinn, The Growth of Mysticism: 500 to 1200 A.D. and The Flowering of Mysticism: Men and Women in the New Mysticism, 1200-1350 (New York: Crossroad, 1996 & 1998) paperback, $25 per volume. McGinn is the leading historian of Christian spirituality. These are the second & third volumes of his multi-volume history of mysticism, The Presence of God: A History of Western Christian Mysticism. The second includes in-depth studies of Gregory the Great and Bernard of Clairvaux, while the third focuses on Francis of Assisi.
• Jill Raitt, ed., Christian Spirituality II: High Middle Ages and Reformation (New York: Crossroad, 1987) paperback, $25. Valuable articles on the different schools of medieval spirituality. A good place to start for an overview.
• Frederick Bauerschmidt, Julian of Norwich and the Mystical Body Politic of Christ (Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1999) hardcover, $35. NEW.
• Frances Beer, Women and Mystical Experience in the Middle Ages (Rochester, NY: Boydell Press, 1992) paperback.
• Adriaan H. Bredero, Bernard of Clairvaux Between Cult and History (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1997).
• Emilie Zum Brunn & Georgette Epiney-Burgard, eds., Women Mystics in Medieval Europe, trans. Sheila Hughes (New York: Paragon House, 1989) paperback.
• Caroline Walker Bynum, Jesus as Mother: Studies in the Spirituality of the High Middle Ages (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1982) paperback, $18. Essays on Cistercian spirituality.
• Lynda L. Coon, Sacred Fictions: Holy Women and Hagiography in Late Antiquity, Middle Ages Series (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania, 1997) hardcover, $40.
• Sabina Flanagan, Hildegard of Bingen: A Visionary Life, 2^nd ed. (New York: Routledge, 1998) paperback, $19.
• Amy M. Hollywood, The Soul as Virgin Wife: Mechthild of Magdeburg, Marguerite Porete, and Meister Eckhart, Studies in Spirituality and Theology 1 (Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1995) hardcover.
• C.H. Lawrence, Medieval Monasticism: Forms of Religious Life Western Europe in the Middle Ages, 2^nd edition (New York: Longman, 1989) paperback, $22.
• Jean Leclerq & Louis Bouyer, The Spirituality of the Middle Ages, vol. 2 of History of Christian Spirituality (New York: Seabury, 1968) paperback, $18. Dated, but still valuable.
• Sandra J. McEntire, ed., Julian of Norwich: A Book of Essays, Garland Medieval Casebook #21 (New York: Garland, 1998).
• Bernard McGinn, ed., Meister Eckhart and the Beguine Mystics (New York: Continuum, 1994) hardback, $20.
• Bernard McGinn, "The Changing Shape of Late Medieval Mysticism," Church History 65 (1996) 197-219.
• Saskia Murk-Jansen, Brides in the Desert: The Spirituality of the Beguines, Traditions of Christian Spirituality Series (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1998) paperback, $13. NEW.
• Barbara Newman, ed., Voice of the Living Light: Hildegard of Bingen and Her World (Berkeley: University of California, 1998) paperback, $20. NEW.
• Elizabeth Petroff, Body and Soul: Essays on Medieval Women and Mysticism (New York: Oxford University Press, 1994) paperback, $18.
• Heinrich Schipperges, The World of Hildegard of Bingen: Her Life, Times, and Visions, trans. John Cumming (Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1999) hardcover, $35. NEW.
• Miriam Schmitt & Linda Kulzer, eds., Medieval Women Monastics: Wisdom’s Wellsprings (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1996) paperback, $20.
• Columba Stewart, Prayer and Community: The Benedictine Tradition, Traditions of Christian Spirituality Series (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1998) paperback, $14. NEW.
• R.N. Swanson, Religion and Devotion in Europe, c.1215-c.1515, Cambridge Medieval Textbooks (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1995) paperback, $18.
• Paul Szarmach, ed., An Introduction to the Medieval Mystics of Europe (New York: SUNY, 1984) paperback, $15.
• Frank Tobin, Mechtild von Magdeburg: a Medieval Mystic in Modern Eyes (Columbia, SC: Camden House, 1995).
• Denys Turner, The Darkness of God: Negativity in Christian Mysticism (New York: Cambridge University, 1995) NEW in paperback, $23.
• André Vauchez, The Spirituality of the Medieval West: the Eighth to the Twelfth Century, Cistercian Studies 145, (Kalamazoo, MI: Cistercian Publications, 1993) paperback, $18.
• André Vauchez, The Laity in the Middle Ages: Religious Beliefs and Devotional Practice (Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1997).
• Esther de Waal, The Way of Simplicity: The Cistercian Tradition, Traditions of Christian Spirituality Series (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1998) paperback, $14. NEW.
• Richard Woods, Mysticism and Prophecy: The Dominican Tradition, Traditions of Christian Spirituality Series (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1998) paperback, $14. NEW.
• Richard Woods, Eckhart’s Way, Way of the Christian Mystics 2 (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1990) paperback, $13.

• RB 1980: the Rule of Benedict (Collegeville, Liturgical Press, 1980) paperback, $20. Benedict’s Rule has served as the basis for Western monasticism for 1500 years. A work of spiritual and practical genius, notable for its humanity and its moderation (obvious when compared with its sources). This is the best and most up-to-date translation—with the Latin text on facing pages.
• Bernard of Clairvaux, Selected Works, Classics of Western Spirituality 55, trans. G.R. Evans (New York: Paulist Press, 1987) paperback, $20. The great leader of the reform of Cîteaux (the Cistercians); one of the great analysts of the degrees of mystical love; also the polemical opponent of Abelard and a respectful, but harsh critic of papal overreaching. This is a good selection of his works.
• Bernard of Clairvaux, Homilies in Praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Cistercian Fathers 18A, trans. Marie-Bernard Said (Kalamazoo, MI: Cistercian Publications, 1979/1993).
• Bernard of Clairvaux, Apologia to Abbot William: Cistercians and Cluniacs, Cistercian Fathers 1A, trans. Michael Casey (Kalamazoo, MI: Cistercian Publications, 1970).
• William of St. Thierry, The Golden Epistle: A Letter to the Brethren at Mont Dieu, Cistercian Fathers 12 (Kalamazoo, MI: Cistercian Publications, 1973).
• Luke Eberle, ed., The Rule of the Master: Regula Magistri, Cistercian Studies 6 (Kalamazoo, MI: Cistercian Publications, 1977).
• Terrence G. Kardong, Benedict’s Rule: A Translation and Commentary (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1996) hardcover, $50.
• Dennis Martin, ed., Carthusian Spirituality: The Writings of Hugh of Balma and Guigo de Ponte, Classics of Western Spirituality (New York: Paulist Press, 1997) paperback, $23.
• Pauline Matarusso, ed., The Cistercian World: Monastic Writings of the 12th Century (New York: Penguin Books, 1993) paperback, $12.
• Benedicta Ward, ed., The Prayers and Meditations of Saint Anselm (New York: Penguin Books, 1973) paperback, $12.

• Regis J. Armstrong, J. Wayne Hellmann, & William J. Short, eds., Francis of Assisi: Early Documents: Vol. 1: The Saint (Hyde Park, NY: New City Press, 1999) paperback, $29. NEW. The first of a three-volume work that will make available the leading documents on Francis of Assisi and the early Franciscan movement. This volume contains the writings of Francis as well as Thomas of Celano’s classic early biography.
• Bonaventure, The Soul’s Journey into God, Classics of Western Spirituality 5, trans. Ewert Cousins (New York: Paulist Press, 1978) paperback, $23. Bonaventure was the superior general of the Franciscans, a superb scholastic theologian and, of course, a mystical writer of the first order. The theme of the ascent of the inner person to God is ancient, but Bonaventure brings the Franciscan depth and warmth of feeling to this age-old theme. This volume also includes Bonaventure’s classic Life of Francis.
• Francis of Assisi and Clare, The Complete Works, Classics of Western Spirituality 35, trans. Regis Armstrong & Ignatius C. Brady (New York: Paulist Press, 1982) paperback, $18.
• Jacopone da Todi, Lauds, Classics of Western Spirituality 30, ed. Serge & Elizabeth Hughes (New York: Paulist Press, 1982) paperback, $13.
• Marion A. Habig, ed., St. Francis of Assisi: Writings and Early Biographies, English Omnibus of Sources for the Life of St. Francis (Chicago: Franciscan Herald Press, 1983) hardback, $50. Older translations, but still valuable.

• Simon Tugwell, ed., Early Dominicans: Selected Writings, Classics of Western Spirituality 33 (New York: Paulist Press, 1982) paperback, $28. It has key documents from and about not only Dominic but his great co-worker and successor, Jordan of Saxony. The bulk of the text is Humbert of Romans’ great work, Treatise on the Formation of Preachers, which better than anything else defines Dominican spirituality. The introductory essay by Tugwell is superb.
• Meister Eckhart, The Essential Sermons, Commentaries, Treatises, and Defense, Classics of Western Spirituality 28, ed. Edmund Colledge & Bernard McGinn (New York: Paulist Press, 1981) paperback, $18. Eckhart was one of the most radical of the medieval mystics: he writes using brilliant paradoxes, striking imagery, provocative claims—yet was schooled in all the subtleties of medieval scholasticism. His orthodoxy was challenged, and some of his positions were posthumously condemned.
• Henry Suso, The Exemplar, Classics of Western Spirituality 63, trans. Frank Tobin (New York: Paulist Press, 1989) paperback, $17. Suso (1300-1366) was a Dominican mystic and the great successor to Meister Eckhart. His Exemplar includes his autobiography as well as his mystical works, especially the Little Book of Eternal Wisdom and the Little Book of Truth.
• Albert the Great and Thomas Aquinas, Selected Writings Classics of Western Spirituality 60, ed., Simon Tugwell (New York: Paulist Press, 1988) paperback, $18.
• Meister Eckhart, Teacher and Preacher, Classics of Western Spirituality 52, ed. Bernard McGinn & Frank Tobin (New York: Paulist Press, 1986) paperback, $18.
• Meister Eckhart, Selected Writings, ed. Oliver Davies (New York: Penguin Book, 1994) paperback, $12.
• John Ruusbroec, The Spiritual Espousals and Other Works, Classics of Western Spirituality 48, trans. James A. Wiseman (New York: Paulist Press, 1985) paperback, $18.
• Johannes Tauler, Sermons, Classics of Western Spirituality 47, trans. Maria Shrady (New York: Paulist Press, 1985) paperback, $10.

• Julian of Norwich, Showings, Classics of Western Spirituality 1, trans. Edmund Colledge & James Walsh (New York: Paulist Press, 1978) paperback, $18. Currently popular among feminists because of her bold speaking of Jesus as "our mother." They miss the obvious: that Julian was very much an austere, thoroughly medieval ascetic—much devoted to the passion of Christ. Yet her warmth and optimism make this a classic.
• The Cloud of Unknowing, Classics of Western Spirituality 26, trans. James Walsh (New York: Paulist Press, 1981) paperback, $20. The greatest of the 14^th-century English mystics. His theme: that God cannot be known by the mind, but only a love that pierces through the ‘cloud of unknowing.’
• Angela of Foligno, Complete Works, Classics of Western Spirituality 77, trans. Paul Lachance (New York: Paulist Press, 1993) paperback, $19.
• Birgritta of Sweden, Life and Selected Revelations, Classics of Western Spirituality, ed. Marguerite Tjader Harris (New York: Paulist Press, 1990) paperback, $16.
• Catherine of Genoa, Purgation and Purgatory, Classics of Western Spirituality 12, trans. Serge Hughes (New York: Paulist Press, 1979) paperback, $17.
• Catherine of Siena, The Dialogue, Classics of Western Spirituality 17, trans. Suzanne Noffke (New York: Paulist Press, 1980) paperback, $25.
• Jean Gerson, Early Works, Classics of Western Spirituality 92 (New York: Paulist Press, 1998) paperback, $25.
• Gertrude of Helfta, The Herald of Divine Love, Classics of Western Spirituality 76, trans. Margaret Winkworth (New York: Paulist Press, 1993) paperback, $18.
• Hadewijch, The Complete Works, Classics of Western Spirituality, trans. Columba Hart (New York: Paulist Press, 1980) paperback, $25.
• Hildegard of Bingen, Scivias, Classics of Western Spirituality 67, trans. Columba Hart & Jane Bishop (New York: Paulist Press, 1990) paperback, $25.
• Walter Hilton, The Scale of Perfection, Classics of Western Spirituality 71, trans. John P.H. Clark and Rosemary Dorward (New York: Paulist Press, 1991) paperback, $18.
• Julian of Norwich, A Book of Showings, ed. Edmund Colledge and James Walsh, 2 vol. (Toronto: Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies, 1978). This contains the original Middle English text.
• Mechthild of Magdeburg, The Flowing Light of the Godhead, Classics of Western Spirituality 91, trans. Frank Tobin (New York: Paulist Press, 1998) paperback, $25.
• Marguerite Porete, The Mirror of Simple Souls, Classics of Western Spirituality 79, trans. Ellen Babinsky (New York: Paulist Press, 1993) paperback, $18.
• Nicholas of Cusa, Selected Spiritual Writings, Classics of Western Spirituality 89, trans. H. Lawrence Bond (New York: Paulist Press, 1997) paperback, $25.
• Richard of St. Victor, The Book of the Patriarchs, Classics of Western Spirituality 10, trans. Grover Zinn (New York: Paulist Press, 1979 ) paperback, $10.
• Richard Rolle, The English Writings, Classics of Western Spirituality 58, trans. Rosamund Allen (New York: Paulist Press, 1988) paperback, $13.
• Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ in Four Books, trans. Joseph Tylenda, rev. ed., Vintage Spiritual Classics (reprint: New York: Vintage, 1998) paperback, $9.
• Anchoritic Spirituality: Ancrene Wisse and Associated Works, Classics of Western Spirituality 73, trans. Anne Savage & Nicholas Watson (New York: Paulist Press, 1991) paperback, $23.
• Beguine Spirituality: Mystical Writings of Mechtild of Magdeburg, Beatrice of Nazareth, and Hadewijch of Brabant, ed. Fiona Bowie, trans. Oliver Davies (New York: Crossroad, 1990).
• Devotio Moderna: Basic Writings, Classics of Western Spirituality 56, trans. John Van Engen (New York: Paulist Press, 1988) paperback, $14.
• The Pursuit of Wisdom and Other Works by the Author of the Cloud of Unknowing, Classics of Western Spirituality (New York: Paulist Press, 1988) paperback, $15.
• Joseph L. Baird, ed., The Letters of Hildegard of Bingen, Volume 1 (New York: Oxford University Press, 1998).
• Oliver Davies, ed., Celtic Spirituality, Classics of Western Spirituality 97 (New York: Paulist Press, 2000) paperback, $28. NEW.
• Joan M. Petersen, trans., Handmaids of the Lord: The Lives of Holy Women, Cistercian Studies 143 (Kalamazoo: Cistercian Publications, 1996) paperback, $25.
• John Skinner, trans. The Book of Margery Kempe: A New Translation (New York: Doubleday, 1998) paperback, $12. NEW.
• Barry Windeatt, ed., English Mystics of the Middle Ages (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1994) hardcover, $60.