THE DESERT HAS TWELVE THING

Mechthild of Magdeburg, born around 1207, died around 1282 in the monastery of Helfta near Eisleben, lived and worked as a Beguine in Magdeburg for about 40 years. Born in a castle in the vicinity of the city, she joined the poverty movement when she was about 20 years old and chose the 'descent' from the castle to the city. She is known to this day for her book The Flowing Light of the Godhead, which she wrote in Low German, the language of the people and the poor. Here, the bridal mysticism of the Old Testament Song of Songs combines with the poetry of courtly minnesong to create a new poetic creation that gives her immediate experience of God an outwardly tangible form. Mechthild's book is considered the most important example of German-language mysticism before Meister Eckhart.Weakened by hostility and illness, she retired to Helfta Monastery around 1270. Here she wrote or dictated the last chapter of her book - and experienced an unexpected bloom of old age!

Delivery Details

We endeavour to dispatch all orders which are in stock on the day the order has been placed. If you need delivery by a certain time please state this clearly on your order and we will do our best to oblige.

For Royal Mail Special Delivery, Airmail (Signed For) and Courier shipments, a signature may be required upon delivery to your address. You are responsible for your order once the package arrives at the supplied delivery address. We cannot be held responsible if the package(s) goes missing once delivered. If any goods are received faulty or damaged on receipt, you must notify us within 7 days of receiving them (via email or telephone) quoting your order reference. We cannot be held responsible for goods that do not arrive with the customer due to errors made by the customer when entering their address details. Please ensure that you check all your details before confirming your order. For more information on deliveries, please click here.