Evelyn Underhill: Anglican Mystic

The publication of ‘Mysticism’ in 1911 established Evelyn Underhill’s reputation as a significant writer on a subject previously somewhat neglected within the Church of England. Her writings, emanating from a life of profound prayer, have become classics for those seeking to deepen their prayer lives. They combine learning, authority and readability and are written in an ecumenical spirit of striking breadth and generosity. These two essays, together with a series of letters she wrote to a novice testing her vocation to the religious life, demonstrate her gifts as writer, theologian and spiritual director.