Mysticism
Evelyn Underhill's comprehensive study emerged from her own spiritual searching and the early twentieth century's hunger for authentic religious experience amid increasing secularization. Writing as a laywoman in the Anglican tradition, Underhill drew on her extensive reading in mystical literature across Christian centuries and traditions, as well as her correspondence with spiritual directors, to create what became the definitive English-language introduction to Christian mysticism.
The work maps the mystical life as a definite psychological and spiritual process, tracing five stages of development from initial awakening through purgation, illumination, and the dark night of the soul to final union with God. Underhill grounds this framework in careful analysis of the great mystics' own accounts, from Augustine and Dionysius through medieval figures like Meister Eckhart and Julian of Norwich to later mystics like John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila. She argues that mysticism represents not an abnormal or exotic spirituality but the natural development of the religious consciousness, available to ordinary believers willing to undertake serious spiritual discipline. Her psychological approach, influenced by contemporary developments in that field, presents mystical experience as both supernatural in its origin and natural in its human expression.
The book established Underhill as the foremost authority on mysticism in the English-speaking world and remained the standard introduction for decades. Its influence extended beyond academic circles to shape popular understanding of contemplative spirituality and inspire countless seekers toward deeper spiritual practice. The work's combination of scholarly rigor with practical spiritual wisdom continues to make it valuable for both students and practitioners.
Who should read this: Those seeking a comprehensive, intellectually serious introduction to Christian mysticism will find no better starting point, though readers looking for simple devotional material or step-by-step spiritual guidance should look elsewhere. This is essential reading for students of Christian spirituality and anyone drawn to contemplative practice who wants historical grounding and psychological insight into the mystical tradition.