Practical Mysticism · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Practical Mysticism by Evelyn Underhill.
The Practical Man
supporting
Also known as the practical man, The practical man
A recurring rhetorical figure representing worldly, non-mystical attitudes.
St. Teresa of Ávila
minor
Also known as Teresa, St. Teresa
A Christian mystic and Doctor of the Church, cited as an exemplar of contemplative prayer.
John Keats
minor
Also known as Keats
Romantic poet quoted for his concept of negative capability and mystical insight.
William Blake
minor
Also known as William Blake, Blake
Poet and artist whose visionary works illustrate mystical perception.
Walt Whitman
minor
Also known as Walt Whitman, Whitman
American poet whose democratic mysticism is referenced in the text.
Jan van Ruysbroeck
minor
Also known as Ruysbroeck, the great Ruysbroeck
Flemish mystic and writer on the spiritual life, cited as an authority.
Florence Nightingale
minor
Also known as Florence Nightingale
Nurse and social reformer, mentioned as an example of practical mysticism.
Julian of Norwich
minor
Also known as Julian of Norwich, Julian
Medieval English mystic and author of 'Revelations of Divine Love'.
St. John of the Cross
minor
Also known as John of the Cross, St. John of the Cross
Spanish Carmelite mystic and poet, cited for his teachings on the dark night.
St. Thomas Aquinas
minor
Also known as St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Thomas
Medieval theologian and philosopher, referenced for his views on contemplation.
Plotinus
minor
Also known as Plotinus
Neoplatonic philosopher whose writings on the One inform mystical tradition.
The Theologia Germanica
minor
Also known as the Theologia Germanica
Anonymous 14th-century mystical treatise, cited as a spiritual classic.
St. Francis of Assisi
minor
Also known as St. Francis, St. Francis of Assisi
Italian saint and founder of the Franciscans, exemplar of mystical love.