The Christianity and Culture series, of which this is the second volume, accomplishes with no small success what few other works have even attempted : that is, the combination of innovative research with introductory essays covering the broader contexts of a subject, and the discussion of productive teaching strategies. In this instance the complex and at times challenging contexts of anchoritic and mystical texts are deftly examined in part I, while thought-provoking essays on ' Approaches to scholarship ' occupy part II and some inspirational 'Approaches to teaching ' are found in part III (to which the 'teaching tools' in the appendix also largely pertain). In addition, this book boasts an impressive list of contributors, whose insights are offered in a manner both accessible and generous throughout. Since this volume contains fourteen essays it is impossible to review them all individually here. In part I, however, E. A. Jones's wide-ranging treatment of 'Anchorites and hermits in historical context ' is a particularly engaging and stimulating presentation of a large quantity of historical and literary material. Elsewhere in this section, key issues such as anchoritic spirituality, the devotional life of the laity and medieval mystical experience are explored with admirable clarity in papers that can be highly recommended to those coming to these areas for the first time. A concern to reexamine the nature of language and its uses or limitations in relation to mystical experience characterises much of part II. Renevy, relocating Richard Rolle in relation to his literary projects and concerns, also proposes future areas for research, while Spearing's studies of linguistic practice in The cloud of unknowing and Pearl provide a useful model for the comparison of related and yet stylistically diverse texts. Part III includes Barrett's candid and practical account of teaching anchoritic texts, containing also an 'Edited extract from The rule of a recluse ' which she recommends as an alternative starting-point to the intricacies of the Ancrene Wisse. In addition, Marion Glasscoe suggests introducing students to the Hereford mappa mundi and Middle English religious lyrics as a means of approaching the concepts and ideas that structure the writings of Julian of Norwich, while other essays address subjects from Walter Hilton to Margery Kempe. The list of 'useful terms for students' in the appendix forms an excellent teaching resource and will save many tutors a great deal of time ; they may also choose to adapt Innes-Parker's ' trial ' technique in order to encourage active learning. This volume represents a concise, and yet rich and detailed, contribution to the field. It will be particularly helpful for those intending to teach in this area for the first time, but will also provide scholars and more advanced students with food for thought, and with inspiration for their own research.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract