Spiritual Formation of Evelyn Underhill

‘The most extensive and inviting introduction . . . a brilliantly written book.’ Eugene Peterson ‘It made my heart sing.’ Dana Greene, President of the EvelynUnderhill Association The publication of Evelyn Underhill’s Prayer Book in 2018 sparked renewed interest in one of the most significant Christian writers of the twentieth century. What lay behind Evelyn Underhill’s spiritual formation? Robyn Wrigley-Carr’s fascinating original research reveals the great influence of Baron Friedrich von Hügel, to whom, Evelyn wrote, ‘I owe . . . my whole spiritual life’. Understanding the nurture she received from this man (who had no less an influence on Eugene Peterson) prepares the way for an exploration of Evelyn’s ‘motherhood of souls’. We learn about her advice to others involved in this ministry, her pioneering work in the conducting of retreats and of the soul care she tirelessly bestowed on her retreatants.

The sheer beauty and brilliance of this recent book is the way the close and symbiotic relationship between von Hugel and Underhill is carefully and thoughtfully tracked and traced., The Spiritual Formation of Evelyn Underhill provides a very fine introduction/invitation . . . [it] will make rich and enjoyable reading for those fortunate to be already acquainted with Underhill’s writings., Excellent., For those who love Evelyn Underhill and her many writings this Prayer Book is a real find! Here in this handsomely produced book is her compilation of prayers from the saints, theologians, liturgical texts, and her own prayers. These served as a resource in her work as a pioneering retreat leader and spiritual director. Reading these prayers puts the reader in the company of a woman of profound wisdom and deep prayerfulness. Her love of God and care for others is palpable.

Dr Robyn Wrigley-Carr is Senior Lecturer in theology and spirituality at Alphacrucis College, Sydney, Australia. She studied her MCS (Spiritual Theology) at Regent College, Vancouver and her thesis examined 'self-knowledge' in Teresa of Avila. She received an ORS scholarship and additional funding from the University of St Andrews to pursue her PhD full-time and graduated in 2013. Her doctorate examined Baron Friedrich von Hügel as a spiritual director. As well as being an academic, Robyn is a spiritual director and retreat leader, having completed her 3 years of formation training (Grad Dip SD) through Wellspring Spirituality Centre (University of Divinity, Melbourne). She is the editor of Evelyn Underhill's Prayer Book (SPCK, 2018) and the Book Reviews Editor for the Journal for the Study of Spirituality. This is a peer-reviewed journal published twice a year (Taylor & Francis) and is the journal for the British Association for the Study of Spirituality (BASS).