I live in Norwich and am a member of the (at present) small number of admirers of the work of Julian of Norwich. "Mother" Julian is however being discovered by people all over the world and I believe that a time will come when her Revelations will become very famous and widespread - the world is just not yet ready for the details of her extraordinary experiences in Christian mysticism. Her writings are so different and challenging - remember too, she was expressing her mysticism in a time when she could have been excommunicated from the church - or, worst scenario, ? burnt as an heretic.

The Church of St Julian is still a fully functioning one in the "red light" area of Norwich - a curious oasis of peace in the maelstrom of a space full of potential and actual misery where sex workers are forced to ply their "trade" to support their addiction to "Class
A" drugs.

Attached to the church is Julian's "cell" where she lived as an anchorite and gave advice to the population here during her lifetime. For those open "to the vibes" (yes, I'm an ageing "hippy", upon entering the small chapel designated as her cell, a wonderful presence and feeling of peace and disembodied love may be experienced. Truly a place where the "Holy Spirit" dwells. I strongly recommend coming to visit St Julian's to all inclined to visit this remarkable place [it's on the internet]. And, by the way, although the windows get smashed from time to time in the cell - such is life - the tranquility endures.

I first encountered her work (sadly unread!) in the philosophy department at the library at my university (Uni of East Anglia) and have been fascinated by her writings for the past twenty years. The concept of "God as Mother" is so radical for the time in which she lived and is still a revolutionary concept - particularly with the current row about women being ordained as Bishops. (Surely the Spirit of Christ can dwell in all of us - gender is irrelevant? - For us convinced Christians we all seek to become like Him.)

All I can say about the book itself is READ IT - and share it - it can be consulted upon a daily basis - just as if Julian is still living today - which, in the spiritual sense, is so. I recommend the modern translation unless you have a grasp of late mediaeval/early modern English though. It is my favorite book in my library. There is an abridged "pocket" version of her Revelations - also beautiful - which are useful as an aid to meditation and contemplation wherever one may be.