Contemplations of the Dread and Love of God

Contemplations of the Dread and Love of God (also known as Fervor Amoris) is a handbook of guidance for the spiritual and ethical life. It is written in prose, and dates from the later Middle English period. Aimed primarily at the educated lay population, both men and women, the text was also read by nuns. Its circulation, in both manuscript and early printed format, was extensive. It is therefore a useful index of medieval and early-modern popular spirituality in England. This is the first critical edition of the text.