In the year 1373 a young Englishwoman whose name we do not know-
she is called "Julian" because she lived part of her life as an enclosed
solitary in the church of St. Julian in Norwich-experienced a series of
intense visions that she later recorded in two versions. The formal title
of the "long text" of that book is A Revelation of Love. It is commonly called
Showings, the word Julian herself used to describe her visions.
This edition incorporates the long text of the Showings, as translated by
Father John-Julian, and a commentary written by Frederick S. Roden. A lay
affiliate member of the Order of Julian of Norwich, Roden gives us a companion
that is reflective yet learned. It is designed to draw the reader more fully into an understanding and experience of what Julian tells us she saw and heard. In the text and commentary we begin to comprehend the truth Julian summarizes at
the end of the Showings: "Love was His meaning."