Folio Society Publishes "Revelations of Divine Love" by Julian of Norwich

Translated by Barry Windeatt
Introduced by Graham James, Bishop of Norwich Calligraphy by Gemma Black 

Julian of Norwich continues to inspire devotion today, yet still little is known about her life. In 1373, at the age of 30, she was struck down by a terrible illness and at the point of death was seized with 16 visions, or ‘shewings’, which would become both the Short Text, written soon after her experiences, and the Long Text, where Julian offers a deeper and more reflective examination. Having possibly taken her name from the church where she was con ned as an anchoress - voluntarily sealed away in a cell attached to the church at Norwich - she spent decades in contemplation of God’s love. 

Written in a simple, expressive style, Julian’s account is both vivid and affecting. Her visions contain the Passion of Christ, the Virgin Mary and the love of God, who reveals to her the entirety of creation in a ball ‘as small as if it had been a hazelnut’. Her direct manner and questioning nature make Julian an engagingly modern voice that envisions a loving God who promises an eventual end to suffering: ‘All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.’ 

Graham James, Bishop of Norwich, has written a thoughtful introduction that praises the accessibility of her work, observing that ‘the spirit of her writings has a lightness which has travelled well down the centuries’. This edition is artfully decorated with a series of calligraphic designs by Gemma Black, while the binding reflects the contemplative nature of Julian’s writings. 

Product information

Bound in cloth blocked with lettering by Gemma Black. Set in English Engravers. 280 pages. Printed throughout in two colours with hand-drawn decorative initials. Ribbon marker. 9" x 53??4". Slipcased.

UK £34.95 US $57.95 Can $72.95 Aus $72.95