The Book of Margery Kempe

By: Margery Kempe

Narrated by: Lucy Scott

The Book of Margery Kempe is the extraordinary account of a medieval wife, mother, and mystic from Norfolk. Having married in c. 1393, given birth to 14 children, and pursued unsuccessful ventures in brewing and milling, Kempe made a vow of chastity and embarked on a life of prayer, penance, and pilgrimage. Known as the earliest autobiography in the English language, it contains intimate portraits of people and places, and a remarkable eye for detail, as it traces the transformation of a "sinful wretch" to a holy pilgrim.

Public Domain (P)2021 Naxos AudioBooks UK Ltd.

Medieval Outsider

Sad and fascinating, this is by far one of the most interesting listens from the Middle Ages. Whatever was different about Margery Kempe's neurological wiring, I'm so glad she wrote it all down. I love the way God speaks to her, telling her repeatedly what a fantastic woman she is. There are many details about life in the early 15th century and what it would be like to be an outsider.

Medieval Christian mystic

Definitely worth the read, a medieval Lady in her autobiography, the first English autobiography! Details her life, even though she was illiterate she was well learned.

Medieval life

I loved listening to this book. It was so interesting to get this first hand account of life during the late medieval period. Seems like she lived a remarkable and interesting life, devoted to the Lord.

Memoirs of a 14th Century Christian

“The book of Margery Kempe” is the memoirs of a 14th century Christian woman and her travels and relationship with God. This is considered the first known autobiography in the English language. A very interesting read for any Christian pilgrim for a glimpse of a very devout person in the 14th Century. The writing has been “translated” into current English and reads smoothly and understandably. The narrator was also very good and a pleasure to listen too. Experienced as an Audio Book

The Performance incredible

Lucy Scott’s performance made these writings come alive! This is an incredible window into 14 c
devotion and habitual recollection of this remarkable woman.