Where to start? | Some pointers
All of these resources are available from the Julian Centre at Julian’s Shrine. Do come and visit!
Some are also available from our online shop.
Editions of Julian's Text
A Revelation of Love. Sr Elizabeth Ruth Obbard (translator) (New City 2018)
‘Basing her translation on the Paris manuscript, Sr Elizabeth Ruth’s version does not slavishly follow Julian’s text. Rather, she focuses on the Showings themselves dividing her book in Showings rather than Chapters as in Julian’s original. Meditative drawings enhance the text’. (Magistra)
Julian of Norwich: All Shall Be Well: Daily Readings from the Revelations. Sheila Upjohn (Friends of Julian of Norwich 1992)
After translating sections of Julian’s book for the first of the ‘Enfolded in Love’ series, Sheila wanted to translate the entire work, and this is the result.
Julian of Norwich The Showings: A Contemporary Translation. Mirabai Starr (translator) (Canterbury Press 2014)
An internationally acclaimed translator, Mirabai bases her translation on Denise Baker’s version.
Julian of Norwich: Revelations of Divine Love. Translated by Barry Windeatt (OUP 2015)
This is one of the most recent translations of the Short Text and one of the two Sloane manuscripts, the Long Text written in Middle English, with an excellent Introduction, endnotes and indices.
Julian of Norwich: Revelations of Divine Love. Father John Julian (Paraclete Press 2011)
Well presented translation of one of the two Sloan manuscripts divided into chapters and shorter readings for devotional use by the founder of the Order of Julian of Norwich, USA.
Julian of Norwich: Revelation of Love. John Skinner (translator) (Gracewing 2004)
Basing his translation on Marion Glasscoe’s Middle English edition, John adds a Preface and a brief glossary.
The Complete Julian of Norwich. Father John Julian (Paraclete Giants 2009)
The most engaging and complete collection available of this 14th century English mystic.
Revelations of Divine Love: Julian of Norwich, translated by Grace Warrack, modernised by Yolande Clarke, with an Introduction by A N Wilson. (SPCK 2017)
After a brief Introduction, we have Grace Warrack’s classic translation of one of the two Sloane manuscripts for the modern reader.
Julian In Literature
I, Julian. Claire Gilbert. The fictional biography of Julian of Norwich (Hodder & Stoughton 2024)
I, Julian is a brilliantly illuminating companion to one of the greatest works of spiritual writing in English.‘ Rowan Williams, Magdalene College, Cambridge University.
For Thy Great Pain Have Mercy On My Little Pain*. Victoria MacKenzie (Bloomsbury Publishing 2023).
In the year of 1413, two women meet for the first time in Norwich. Before they part, Julian will entrust Margery with a secret – one that will change the course of history.
The Anchoress. Jean Flowerdew (Friends of Julian 2010)
An engaging story for the young and young at heart, well researched.
Selections
40-Day Journey with Julian of Norwich, edited by Lisa E Dahill (Augsburg Books 1978)
Forty extracts for meditation, accompanied by Biblical quotations, questions to ponder, reflections for journaling and intercessory prayers.
A Month with Julian of Norwich, edited by Rima Devereaux (SPCK 2018)
Sixty-two extracts to nurture the contemporary reader in the morning and in the evening.
Enfolded in Love: Daily Readings of love, forgiveness and joy & In Love Enclosed: Daily Readings of vision, compassion and hope (DLT re-published 2019)
These two internationally acclaimed publications have been newly curated by Fr Luke Penkett, presenting Julian’s words anew for a modern generation.
Introductions
Homely Love, Prayers and reflection using the words of Julian of Norwich. Penny Roker RSM (Canterbury Press 2006)
Penny Roker’s warm and gentle book enables readers to make an ‘armchair retreat’ using nothing more than things around the house to access and apply the spiritual riches of Julian. It is equally appropriate for guided group meditation.
Introducing Julian, Woman of Norwich. Sr Elizabeth Ruth Obbard (New City 1995)
A wonderfully warm Introduction, beautifully illustrated.
Julian of Norwich: A Very Brief Introduction. Janina Ramirez (SPCK 2016)
One of the best, short, contextualising introductions to Julian, perfectly harmonising with Janina’s documentary ‘The Search for the Lost Manuscript’ (also available from the Julian Centre).
Love is His Meaning: The Impact of Julian of Norwich. John Skinner (Gracewing 2013)
Using much of his original translation, John punctuates this with a thoughtful commentary.
Love is the Meaning: Growing in Faith with Julian of Norwich. Ann Lewin (Canterbury Press 2010)
A practical guide for exploring the spiritual life with Julian, with questions for reflection or discussion, perfect for group or individual study.
Stations of the Cross. Sheila Upjohn (Friends of Julian 1994)
The Stations of the Cross in Saint Julian’s Church, Norwich, were painted in 1993 by the artist Irene (Rene) Ogden (1919-2015), and were given to the church by the parish curate, the Revd Marigold Hall (1929-2023). The stations have inspired a devotional booklet by Sheila Upjohn in which she draws on Julian’s text.
The Way of Julian of Norwich, A Prayer Journey Through Lent. Sheila Upjohn (SPCK 2020)
An inspirational guide to Julian of Norwich that will deepen the reader’s prayer life during Lent and throughout the year.
Through Julian’s Windows: Growing into wholeness with Julian of Norwich. Sr Elizabeth Ruth Obbard (Canterbury Press 2008)
An Introduction which offers the reader glimpses through the three windows of Julian’s cell.
Why Julian Now? A voyage of discovery. Sheila Upjohn. (Friends of Julian 2014)
What possible relevance could the writing of this ‘unlettered woman’ have for us, who live in a world so different that she would scarcely be able to recognise it? The question challenged Sheila Upjohn, and she embarked on a quest to discover why Julian’s book has become so widely read today.
God is the ground, the substance, the teaching, the teacher, the purpose, and the reward for which every soul labours.
Chapter 34