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John the Evangelist and medieval German writing

By Annette Volfing

Book Description

This scholarly exploration reveals how one of Christianity's most beloved figures shaped the spiritual imagination of medieval Germany. Annette Volfing examines a treasure trove of Middle High German texts that have remained largely hidden from modern readers, uncovering how John the Evangelist served as both saint and literary inspiration across diverse forms of writing.

From intimate devotional works crafted for women in religious communities to elaborate verse romances and the sophisticated didactic poetry known as Meisterlieder, these medieval authors found in John a compelling spiritual guide. Volfing's analysis illuminates a fascinating question that resonated throughout these centuries: how could different readers find in this apostle a model for their own spiritual development?

The book's unique approach brings together literary genres that scholars typically study in isolation, creating fresh insights into how spiritual themes moved between different forms of expression. By examining the concept of imitatio, or spiritual imitation, Volfing shows how medieval writers adapted John's example for various audiences and purposes.

For readers interested in the intersection of spirituality and literature, this work offers a window into how one tradition understood the relationship between sacred figures and personal transformation. The study demonstrates how medieval German culture grappled with questions of spiritual modeling that continue to resonate today, making ancient wisdom accessible through careful literary analysis.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)

📄 Length: 273 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Explore John, the apostle, saint
  • ✓ Explore German Christian literature
  • ✓ Explore History
  • ✓ Deepen your spiritual understanding
  • ✓ Explore Religion and literature
  • ✓ Explore Influence
  • ✓ Explore In literature
  • ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective

Topics Covered

John, the apostle, saint German Christian literature History Spirituality Religion and literature Influence In literature Bible Devotional literature History and criticism German literature

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