A modern English version of the Middle English text of Birgitta's
Revelations made at the Birgittine Syon Abbey in England, in which the
scribes extracted their favourite episodes from the longer Latin
version.
Saint Birgitta of Sweden (canonised in 1391) is one of the most
important female figures of medieval Europe. She participated vigorously
in its political life, attempting through her writings to end the
Hundred Years War between England and France, and to strengthen the
Papacy against the Schism; she also influenced other mystics, such as
Julian of Norwich, Catherine of Siena, Chiara Gambacorta, Margery Kempe
and Elizabeth Barton, leading a tradition in which women, despite being
forbidden to preach, could act through writing visionary books. Birgitta
was helped by cardinals, bishops, priors and masters in her task,
speaking to Popes, Emperors and all Europe. For this work she is now
proclaimed, with Catherine of Siena and Edith Stein, Patron of Europe.
This book presents in modern English her medieval biography, excerpts
from her massive book, the Revelationes, from a translation into
MiddleEnglish made at Brigittine Syon Abbey in England. This is
accompanied by an interpretive essay and an introduction tracing her
life.