Julian of Norwich “Showings”

We know extremely little about the author of this book (not even her real name); we simply know she was an anchorite in the Cathedral of St. Julian in Norwich, England around 1400. The book records visions she received during a prolonged illness. She felt that in these visions God had been revealed to her and recorded them. This work is in a mystical/contemplative vein which might be difficult for some readers to understand. One does not understand the visions, rather, one participates with the author in the visions receiving the picture of God. Then the reader is to reflect on the vision and draw out the meaning. This can be a difficult practice for those unused to it, but, this work is very much worth the time spent in reading.