Title
The Book of Margery Kempe,Used
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Though a familiar name, little was known about the English mystic Margery Kempe (c. 1373c. 1440) for hundreds of years except that she had an association with the great Julian of Norwich. This all changed in 1934 with the discovery of The Book of Margery Kempe in a library where it had lain hidden for four hundred years. Finding Margery's own story was important not just because of the light it shed on her life, but it also turned out to be the first known autobiography in the English language. Even more intriguing to the experts of the day, this unique document was written by a woman.But if anyone had expected to find her anything like her cloistered contemporary, Julian, they were in for something of a surprise. Far from being a typical holy woman, Margery Kempe was married and mother of fourteen children. Moreover, she had been a woman of substance, even running a large brewery for a time. After turning to religion, she traveled thousands of miles around the known world on pilgrimages to distant lands.Beyond the circumstances of her life, what's most compelling about the text is the inner Margery that emerges. Her account of spiritual awakening, far from being a blissful episode is instead full of conflict and recrimination. What good was this new way of life if it caused her such trouble? Was this really the only way to lead a holy life? Margery remained unsure of the answers. But her patience in her struggle is a wonder to behold, and an example for us today.
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- Q: What is 'The Book of Margery Kempe' about? A: 'The Book of Margery Kempe' is a unique autobiographical account of Margery Kempe, an English mystic from the 14th century. It details her spiritual journey, struggles with faith, and experiences as a married woman and mother of fourteen children, including her extensive pilgrimages.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The book is authored by John Skinner, who has provided a revised edition of Margery Kempe's original work.
- Q: What are the main themes explored in Margery Kempe's autobiography? A: The main themes include spiritual awakening, the conflict between earthly responsibilities and religious devotion, and the challenges faced by women in expressing their faith during the 14th century.
- Q: How many pages does 'The Book of Margery Kempe' have? A: 'The Book of Margery Kempe' contains 352 pages, offering an in-depth look at Margery Kempe's life and spiritual reflections.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: 'The Book of Margery Kempe' was published on May 18, 1998.
- Q: What kind of binding does this book have? A: The book is available in paperback binding, making it a lightweight and portable reading option.
- Q: Is 'The Book of Margery Kempe' suitable for academic studies? A: Yes, this book is often used in academic studies due to its historical significance as the first known autobiography in English and its insights into women's spirituality in the medieval period.
- Q: What makes Margery Kempe's story unique compared to other religious figures of her time? A: Margery Kempe's story is unique because she was not a cloistered nun like many of her contemporaries; instead, she was a married woman who engaged actively with the world while pursuing her spiritual journey.
- Q: Can this book be beneficial for those interested in women's history? A: Absolutely, 'The Book of Margery Kempe' provides valuable insights into the life of a woman who defied the norms of her time, making it an important read for those interested in women's history.
- Q: What edition of the book is this? A: This is a revised edition of 'The Book of Margery Kempe', which may include updated introductions or annotations for better understanding.