The Medieval Mystical Tradition: England, Ireland, and Wales. Exeter Symposium VI.

Publication: The Modern Language Review

Publication Date: 01-APR-02

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COPYRIGHT 2002 Modern Humanities Research Association

The Medieval Mystical Tradition: England, Ireland, and Wales. Exeter Symposium VI. (Papers read at Charley Manor, July 1999). Ed. by MARION GLASSCOE. Cambridge: Brewer. 1999. vii + 268 pp. 40 [pounds sterling]; $75

This collection of thirteen essays demonstrates vigorous scholarship on insular mysticism and a thought-provoking diversity masked by the monolithic name 'tradition'. Three studies of historical figures exemplify the variety of angles and resources in current work. Vincent Gillespie turns his intimate knowledge of the catalogue of the brothers' library in the double monastery of Syon into a jocular and fascinating, albeit unfocused, investigation into 'what exactly' the Syon men were 'for'. Assuming that asceticism is insufficient for men in an order founded in response to Birgitta of Sweden's vision, Gillespie is vexed by the brothers' lack of interest in 'para-mystical phenomena' and visionary texts. As he brings the small band of 'sober, sane' priests and deacons to life through book titles, documents, and patterns of accession, we see that they preached, studied, and advised but were not...

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