A Companion to John of Ruusbroec

Description

John of Ruusbroec (1293-1381) is one of the most important mystical authors in the Christian tradition. This 'Companion' provides a comprehensive overview of Ruusbroec studies, including a survey of the mystical tradition in the Low Countries before Ruusbroec, a discussion of his life and works, the manuscript tradition, the most significant mystical-theological and literary themes, Latin translations of his work, and the widespread resonance of his thought across Europe until 1800. Finally, it offers a summary of secondary research since the nineteenth century. To complement the range of scholarly articles, this Companion also includes the first English translation of a series of Middle Dutch texts that offer deeper insight into Ruusbroec, his thought, and his mystical and literary context. List of Maps and Illustrations viii List of Contributors x Introduction / John Arblaster and Rob Faesen 1 Mysticism in the Low Countries before Ruusbroec / John Arblaster and Rob Faesen 5 John of Ruusbroec’s Life and Works / John Arblaster and Rob Faesen 47 Ruusbroec in Edition: Manuscript and Print / Guido de Baere 81 Ruusbroec the Author / Hilde Noë 100 Essential Themes in Ruusbroec’s Mysticism / Bernard McGinn 130 Ruusbroec as a Theologian: The Holy Spirit / Lieve Uyttenhove 179 Ruusbroec, Jordaens, and Herp on the Common Life: The Transformation of a Spiritual Ideal / Rik Van Nieuwenhove 204 Ruusbroec in Latin: Impulses and Impediments / Kees Schepers 237 Ruusbroec’s Influence Until c. 1800 / Jos Andriessen 286 Overview of Ruusbroec Research / Loet Swart 303 Appendices Middle Dutch Texts Related to Ruusbroec / Translated by John Arblaster 339 Appendix One: Pseudo-Hadewijch 339 Appendix Two: Two Poems attributed to Ruusbroec 375 Appendix Three: The Prologue by Brother Gerard of Saintes 378 Appendix Four: The Epilogue by the 'Descendant' (Nacomelinc) 383 Appendix Five: The Eulogy of John of Ruusbroec by Jan van Leeuwen 389 Bibliography 393 Indexes 437