Subject
Mechthild, of Magdeburg, approximately 1212-approximately 1282 Books
Best books
Alice Kemp-Welch
Of Six Mediæval Women; To Which Is Added A Note on Mediæval Gardens
"Of Six Mediæval Women" by Alice Kemp-Welch is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the lives and contributions of six notable women from the medieval period, specifically focusing on their roles as writers, mystics, or influential figures within their societies. It seeks to highlight their achievements in a time when women's contributions were often overlooked or undervalued. The opening of the work sets the stage for a thoughtful examination of medieval womanhood, drawing attention to historical silences that have obscured the experiences of women during this era. It discusses the limited documentation of women's lives, emphasizing the importance of examining few recorded instances, such as those of Roswitha, Marie de France, and Christine de Pisan, to understand the broader societal roles women played. Kemp-Welch uses these figures to illustrate how women navigated the constraints of their time, often through creativity and intellect, while also hinting at their significant, albeit often informal, impacts on their communities and cultures.
of Magdeburg Mechthild
Matelda and the cloister of Hellfde : $b extracts from the Book of Matilda of Magdeburg
"Matelda and the Cloister of Hellfde: Extracts from the Book of Matilda of Magdeburg" by Frances Bevan is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work comprises selected and translated extracts from the writings of Matilda, a 13th-century German Béguine known for her spiritual insights and experiences, focusing on themes of divine love, spiritual devotion, and the struggles of the soul in a tumultuous time. The context of Matilda’s life and the life of the convent provides a backdrop against which readers can explore her reflections on faith and spirituality. At the start of the book, the preface introduces Matilda of Magdeburg, linking her to Dante's "Matelda" and setting the stage for her significance in medieval mysticism and spirituality. The opening portion describes the founding and history of the Cloister of Hellfde, detailing the noble lineage of individuals associated with the convent and highlighting its spiritual mission. It also briefly introduces Matilda's character and her decision to renounce worldly comforts for a deeper communion with God, foreshadowing the profound and intricate spiritual experiences that her writings will articulate throughout the rest of the work.
Recently surfaced classics