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The Search for the Lost Manuscript: Julian of Norwich

Dr Janina Ramirez tells the story of Revelations of Divine Love, the first book ever written in English by a woman - Julian of Norwich, in 1373 - and kept hidden for centuries.

Medieval art historian Dr Janina Ramirez tells the incredible story of a book hidden for centuries in the shadows of history, the first book ever written in English by a woman, Julian of Norwich, in 1373.

Revelations of Divine Love dared to present an alternative vision of man's relationship with God, a theology fundamentally at odds with the church of Julian's time. The book was suppressed for 500 years. It re-emerged in the 20th century as an iconic text for the women's movement and was acknowledged as a literary masterpiece.

Janina follows the trail of the lost manuscript, travelling from Norwich to Cambrai in northern France to discover how the book survived and the brave women who championed it.

59 minutes

Last on

Mon 23 Jan 2023 00:05
BBC Four

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Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:47

    Wax

    Holiday

Credit

Presenter Janina Ramirez

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