Exact facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. "Practical Mysticism is a work by one of the foremost 20th century Christian mystics, Evelyn Underhill. Her book, "Mysticism: A Study in the Nature and Development of Spiritual Consciousness," is the authoritative text of modern mysticism. This shorter work, "Practical Mysticism", is an abridged version of Underhill's theology, and is a perfect starting point for immersion into the subject. It is written, to some extent, with non-Christians in mind, so Underhill is at her simplest here, yet her language is still poetic and enjoyable to read. Topics are addressed broadly, and Chapter 1, "What is Mysticism?" is an enlightening place for those unfamiliar with the topic to begin. She invites the reader to become involved in mysticism, giving simple examples of how it is relevant to everyday people. Underhill was greatly influenced by mystics such as St. Teresa, St. Augustine, and Thomas a Kempis, and examples from these writers, as well as poets like Keats and Whitman, are sprinkled throughout the book. A fine place to start before diving into her more intense works, "Practical Mysticism" has captivated generations of readers, and is still the premier text for the introductory study of mysticism.

A poet, novelist, and well known writer on mysticism, Evelyn Underhill was born in 1875. She was educated privately and at King's College for Women, London, of which she later became first an Honorary Fellow and then a Fellow. She was also an Honorary Doctor of Divinity of the University of Aberdeen. In 1921 she was Upton Lecturer on the Philosophy of Religion at Manchester College, Oxford. Among Miss Underhill's most notable books are 'The Spiritual Life', 'Practical Mysticism', 'The Mystic Way', and 'Meditations Based on Our Lord's Prayer'.