New Directions in Medieval Mystical and Devotional Literature: Essays in Honor of Denise N. Baker

New Directions in Medieval Mystical and Devotional Literature is a collection of essays by young and early career scholars who have been influenced by Denise N. Baker's scholarship over the past four decades. The essays cover a range of topics, including the importance of philosophical and intellectual history in Julian of Norwich's Showings and Langlands Piers Plowman, the gendered nature of martyrdom in medieval hagiography, and the preoccupation with architectural memorialization in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.

Format: Hardback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2023
Publisher: Lehigh University Press

This essay collection is a tribute to the remarkable career of Denise N. Baker, Professor of English at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, as she embarks on her well-deserved retirement. In honor of her exceptional contributions to the field of medieval mystical and devotional literature, New Directions in Medieval Mystical and Devotional Literature brings together the insightful work of young and early career scholars who have had the privilege of learning from Baker both as students and as peers. These scholars have not only published their own research on Baker's work but have also contributed to collections she has edited, and have been deeply inspired and influenced by her extensive and groundbreaking scholarship over the past four decades.

The collection showcases a diverse range of studies that explore the various texts and topics that have been the focus of Baker's scholarly endeavors. From the profound influence of philosophical and intellectual history on Julian of Norwich's Showings and Langlands Piers Plowman to the nuanced examination of the gendered nature of martyrdom in medieval hagiography, to the intricate exploration of architectural memorialization in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, these essays offer a comprehensive examination of the rich tapestry of medieval literature.

What sets this collection apart is its ability to bridge the often vast gap between scholarship on medieval mystical texts, such as the writings of Julian of Norwich and the Cloud of Unknowing author, and scholarship on the work of major medieval vernacular authors such as William Langland and Geoffrey Chaucer. By bringing together these two distinct fields of study, the collection provides a fresh and interdisciplinary perspective on medieval literature, highlighting the interconnectedness and interdependence of different literary genres and traditions.

The essays in this collection are written by scholars from various academic backgrounds and institutions, reflecting the broad reach and impact of Baker's scholarship. Each essay offers a unique perspective on the subject matter, drawing on a wealth of research and critical analysis to shed light on the complexities and nuances of medieval mystical and devotional literature. The authors employ a range of theoretical frameworks and methodologies, from close reading and textual analysis to cultural and historical contextualization, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the texts they examine.

In conclusion, this essay collection is a fitting tribute to the remarkable career of Denise N. Baker. It showcases the depth and breadth of her scholarly work, and the profound impact she has had on the field of medieval mystical and devotional literature. By bringing together the work of young and early career scholars with that of Baker's peers and students, the collection provides a valuable resource for scholars and students alike, and serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Baker's scholarship.

Weight: 503g
Dimension: 237 x 158 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781611462852