Women of wisdom

In her introduction, Paula Marvelly offers a definition of mysticism, looks at its feminine aspects within each of the major world religions, discusses what it means to be a woman mystic, and explains why she has chosen the women in this anthology. Her selection features 32 women mystics from all ages and faiths, from Mary Magdalene to Evelyn Underhill. She explores their lives, their experiences and their teachings, and draws out the core underlying themes which relate to the concept of non-duality or "oneness".