Engagingly written by one of the world's leading scholars in this field, this comprehensively revised edition tells the story of Christian spirituality from its origins in the New Testament right up to the present day.

• Charts the main figures, ideas, images and historical periods, showing how and why spirituality has changed and developed over the centuries
• Includes new chapters on the nature and meaning of spirituality, and on spirituality in the 21st century; and an account of the development and main features of devotional spirituality
• Provides new...

George Herbert (1593-1633) is one of English spirituality's most treasured voices and, with his contemporaries Lancelot Andrewes Izaak Walton and Nicholas Ferrar, he epitomises the best of the 17th century Anglican tradition - learned, holy and self-effacing. Before settling down as a country parish priest - a calling that was cut short by his early death aged 39 - he was a complex character who led a varied life in politics and academia. His inner tensions resulted in memorable writing and a rich spirituality. Here, Philip Sheldrake explores themes in Herbert's work that stand out as most...