The Anglican theologian Evelyn Underhill was central to the revival of mysticism in the early twentieth century, through her writings, in her leading of retreats and prayer groups, and as a spiritual director. In this lecture we will explore Underhill's work in these areas, and her influence on a group of Anglican women - scholars, poets, playwrights, teachers, retreat house wardens, and ecumenists - who are largely forgotten now but, encouraged and supported by Underhill, made significant contributions to theology and spirituality.
Prof. Jane Shaw is the Principal of Harris Manchester College, Professor of the History of Religion, and a Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Oxford. An Anglican priest, she has been Dean of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, Dean for Religious Life at Stanford University, and Dean of Divinity at New College, Oxford. She is currently writing a book about Modern Mysticism.