Mirror of Simple Souls, The

Book Description

In 1310, Margaret Porette was burned alive in Paris for writing a book that challenged the spiritual conventions of her time. That book, The Mirror of Simple Souls, survived as one of the few complete heretical documents from the medieval period, offering modern readers a rare glimpse into the mystical traditions that flourished beyond orthodox Christianity.

For centuries, both the author's identity and the book's origins remained shrouded in mystery until a groundbreaking discovery in 1946 revealed Margaret Porette as the work's creator. This revelation sent shockwaves through academic circles, finally connecting a name to one of the most significant French spiritual texts written before the Reformation.

The Mirror explores the profound journey of the soul toward divine union through contemplation and spiritual surrender. Porette's mystical insights challenged established religious authority, ultimately costing her life but preserving her revolutionary spiritual vision for future generations. Her work represents a bold exploration of the soul's relationship with the divine, written with the kind of spiritual audacity that transcended the boundaries of acceptable medieval thought.

This modern English translation makes Porette's mystical teachings accessible to contemporary spiritual seekers, offering both historical context and interpretive guidance. For those drawn to contemplative spirituality and the courage of mystics who dared to speak their truth, The Mirror provides a window into the transformative power of radical spiritual surrender.