This collection contains English translations of some of the best-known German Pietist
poems and hymns throughout the centuries. Characteristic of their Pietist authors, the
hymns' contents are deeply personal and sometimes mystical. Fortunately, little beauty
and meaning is lost in Bevan's fine translations. The works of Gerhard Tersteegen (1697-
1769) and Heinrich Seuse, also known as Henry Suso (1300-1366), among others, are
included. With this second volume, Bevan expands his collection of translations with
English renderings of Mechthild of Magdeburg’s lyrical poetry. The medieval Catholic
nun, whom some consider an “evangelical witness” of her time, influenced many of the
German hymnists that followed her with The Flowing Light of Divinity, her single
written work.
