Ritual, myth, and mysticism in the work of Mary Butts
Book Description
This scholarly exploration unveils the fascinating spiritual dimensions within the work of Mary Butts, a remarkable British writer whose literary contributions were overshadowed for decades after her death in 1937. Roslyn Reso Foy examines how Butts, who moved among influential modernist circles including T. S. Eliot, Ford Madox Ford, and Ezra Pound, developed a unique mystical vision that challenged conventional reality.
Butts possessed an extraordinary ability to weave ancient rituals, mythological elements, and occult practices into her fiction, creating what Foy identifies as her distinctive brand of mysticism. Her work reveals a profound connection to the natural origins and powers of feminine divinity, offering readers insight into how spiritual traditions can be reimagined through a modern lens.
The book illuminates why Butts's reputation declined after her death, partly due to the unconventional nature of her spiritual beliefs and the masculine-dominated literary landscape of her era. With her personal papers remaining sealed for over fifty years, her contributions to both literature and spiritual thought were largely forgotten.
For contemporary readers interested in the intersection of spirituality, feminism, and creative expression, this study provides valuable perspective on how one writer transformed ancient wisdom into modernist art. Foy's analysis demonstrates how mystical experiences and ritual practices can profoundly shape artistic vision, offering inspiration for those exploring their own spiritual and creative paths.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~5 hours)
📄 Length: 163 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Riten
- ✓ Explore Ritual in literature
- ✓ Explore Feminisme
- ✓ Explore Feminism and literature
- ✓ Explore mystical experiences
- ✓ Explore Modernism (Literature)
- ✓ Explore Ritual
- ✓ Explore Mythology in literature
