Mysticism: The Preeminent Study in the Nature and Development of Spiritual Consciousness

First published in 1911, Mysticism remains the classic in its field and was lauded by The Princeton Theological Review as "brilliantly written and] illuminated with numerous well-chosen extracts ... used with exquisite skill."

Mysticism makes an in-depth and comprehensive exploration of its subject. Part One examines "The Mystic Fact," explaining the relation of mysticism to vitalism, to psychology, to theology, to symbolism, and to magic. Part Two, "The Mystic Way," explores the awakening, purification, and illumination of the self; discusses voices and visions; and delves into manifestatioins from ecstasty and rapture to the dark night of the soul. Rounding out the book are a useful Appendix, an exhaustive Bibliography, and an Index.

Mysticism is thoroughly documented with material drawn from such great mystics as St. Teresa of Avila, Meister Eckhart, and St. John of the Cross, and this new Image Classic features a Foreword by Ira Progoff, translator of Cloud Unknowing and director of Dialogue House in New York City.

Evelyn Underhill (1875-1941), English poet, novelist, and writer on mysticism, was born in England and educated at King’s College for Women, London. In 1921 Miss Underhill was Upton Lecturer on the Philosophy of Religion at Manchester College, Oxford. Between 1900 and 1920 she wrote novels and light verse, but her lasting fame rests on the many books she produced on various aspects of mysticism. The most famous of thse is Mysticism, which was first published in 1911. Among her other fine works are: The Mystic Way, Practical Mysticism, The Essentials of Mysticism, The Life of the Spirit and the Life of Today, Concerning the Inner Life, Man and the Supernatural, and The House of the Soul.