This book examines the works of four 14th century English mystics who were "pioneers of a new human experiment in the West." They all experienced in the depth of self a transcendent God who gave their lives meaning. There are excerpts from the writings of Richard Rolle of Hampole who discovered within his emotions intimations of God; from the author of The Cloud of Unknowing, a primer on mystical exploration; from Walter Hilton whose The Ladder of Perfection, focused on the spiritual arts of prayer and meditation; and from Dame Julian of Norwich whose visions and revelations went beyond the established dogmas of traditional Christianity.