Women Mystics in Medieval Europe

In an attempt to relate ``the lost story of feminine Christianity,'' this useful anthology gives annotated excerpts from six influential authors and analyzes social and religious movements as expressions of female spirituality. Hildegard of Bingen, a famed 12th-century abbess, preacher, visionary and a prolific writer, had the sanction of the Church because she wrote in Latin, claimed inspiration from the ``Living Light'' and did not challenge feudal hierarchies. In the next century, however, women mystics who disseminated their works in accessible vernaculars--Dutch, Low German, Flemish and French--caused controversy among the clergy. Their intense lyrical utterances borrowed the language of courtly love and the nuptial imagery of the Song of Songs. Mechthild of Magdeburg, Beatrice of Nazareth, Hadewijch I and II, Marguerite Porete (burned at the stake for her daring) and the Beguines are examined and credited with having developed theories attributed to later, male theologians. Zum Brunn is the author of St. Augustine: Being and Nothingness ; Epiney-Burgard is a freelance writer. Illustrations not seen by PW. (July)