SKU: BR.EB-32051

ISBN 9790004186480. 9 x 12 inches.

Mechthild of Magdeburg, born around 1207, died around 1282 in the monastery of Helfta near Eisleben, lived and worked as a Beguine in Magdeburg for about 40 years. Born in a castle in the vicinity of the city, she joined the poverty movement when she was about 20 years old and chose the descent from the castle to the city. She is known to this day for her book The Flowing Light of the Godhead, which she wrote in Low German, the language of the people and the poor. Here, the bridal mysticism of the Old Testament Song of Songs combines with the poetry of courtly minnesong to create a new poetic creation that gives her immediate experience of God an outwardly tangible form. Mechthild's book is considered the most important example of German-language mysticism before Meister Eckhart.Weakened by hostility and illness, she retired to Helfta Monastery around 1270. Here she wrote or dictated the last chapter of her book - and experienced an unexpected bloom of old age!