The Book of Margery Kempe'Alas that I ever did sin! It is so merry in Heaven!' The Book of Margery Kempe (c. 1436-8) is the extraordinary account of a medieval wife, mother, and mystic. Known as the earliest autobiography written in the English language, Kempe's Book describes the dramatic transformation of its heroine from failed businesswoman and lustful young wife to devout and chaste pilgrim. She vividly describes her prayers and visions, as well as the temptations in daily life to which she succumbed before dedicating herself to her spiritual calling. She travelled to the most holy sites of the medieval world, including Rome and Jerusalem. In her life and her boisterous devotion, Kempe antagonized many of those around her; yet she also garnered friends and supporters who helped to record her experiences. Her Book opens a window on to the medieval world, and provides a fascinating portrait of one woman's life, aspirations, and prayers. This new translation preserves the forceful narrative voice of Kempe's Book and includes a wide-ranging introduction and useful notes. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more. |
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aforementioned creature afraid afterwards amongst anchorite answered Archbishop asked beforehand believe Bishop Bishop of Lincoln bitterly blessed blissful body Book of Margery Bridget of Sweden chapel CHAPTER church cleric comfort compassion confessor cried crying daughter desire Devil devotion doctor of divinity enemies England feelings friar Gdańsk give God’s grace hear heard heart Heaven Holy Ghost holy thoughts honourable husband Jerusalem John of Bridlington Julian of Norwich Kempe’s Kempe’s Book King’s Lynn knew Lady Late Medieval live Lollard London Lord Christ Jesus Lord Jesus Christ Lynn man’s Margery Kempe Mary Magdalene Middle English mind mother mystical never Norwich ODNB pain people’s pilgrimage pilgrims pray prayers preaching priest Rome sacrament saints sins sobbing sometimes sorrow soul speak spiritual spoke St Bridget St John St Margaret’s suffered sweet tears tell thank told took town trust weeping wept wish woman women words worship written