Ancrene Wisse =: Guide For Anchoresses : A Translation Based On Cambridge, Corpus Christi College, Ms 402 Guide For Anchoresses Ancren Riwle. English

This early thirteenth-century West Midlands guide for women recluses is not only one of the major works of early Middle English prose, but is also a key document for the development of medieval spirituality. It reflects the 'democratization' of religious experience which was one of the outcomes of the 'Medieval Reformation'. Drawing on new kinds of pastoral literature designed to appeal to a more general audience, the insight, wit and charm of Ancrene Wisse led to its adaptation for other readers, both religious and lay, and it continued in use until the end of the Middle Ages. This new annotated translation, based on the text in Cambridge, Corpus Christi College, MS 402, incorporates the most recent research on Ancrene Wisse's contemporary context and offers an accessible, up-to-date introduction for both scholars and students.

This new annotated translation of the Ancrene Wisse, the early thirteenth-century guide for female recluses, presents a key document for the development of medieval spirituality and one of the major works of early Middle English prose. Reflecting the “democratization” of religious experience, one of the outcomes of the Medieval Reformation, the Ancrene Wisse drew on new kinds of pastoral literature designed to appeal to a more general audience, while its insight, wit, and charm made it a perennial devotional favorite throughout the Middle Ages. This is the first translation based on the full manuscript evidence, and it also offers an accessible and up-to-date introduction for both scholars and students.

Cover Title Page Copyright Page Contents Preface to this edition Introduction 1. Ancrene Wisse and its Contexts 2. Sources and Analogues 3. The Form of the Work 4. The Textual History of Ancrene Wisse 5. This Translation Guide for Anchoresses Preface Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Explanatory Notes Bibliography 1. A Note on Further Reading 2. Abbreviations and Short Titles 3. Editions and Secondary Works General Index Scriptural Quotations Index Introduction -- 1. Ancrene Wisse And Its Contexts -- 2. Sources And Analogues -- 3. The Form Of The Work -- 4. The Textual History Of Ancrene Wisse -- 5. This Translation -- Guide For Anchoresses. By Bella Millett. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [279]-294) And Indexes.