This book is a systematic linguistic study of, and commentary upon, Julian of Norwichs A Vision Showed to a Devout Woman. Luke Penkett draws attention to the medieval anchoresss stylistic brilliance, clarifies complicated passages for the twenty-first century reader, and summarises and builds upon the wisdom of the most up-to-date scholarly research to inspire fresh insight of what is the earliest record of a woman writing in the English language.
Penkett gives context to Julians writing with a survey of other English literary texts of the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. He offers a detailed analysis of the notable vocabulary and syntax employed by Julian, her rhetorical techniques, and of what we can learn from the stylistic choices of Julian as both listener and communicator. The book concludes with a fascinating study of what we can learn of the initial reader and listener responses to Julians writing from the marginalia found in the manuscript of the Short Text of A Vision Showed to a Devout Woman.
This book will bring richer meaning to Julians words for those who know them well and assist understanding for those discovering her for the first time, perhaps seeking wisdom and comfort in challenging circumstances or to deepen their prayer life.
