It is rare, and dazzling, to encounter in one scholar and thinker the erudition, historical range, and theoretical scope, rigor, and creativity, that are Michel de Certeau's. His Mystic Fable I, published in Chicago's Religion and Postmodernism Series in English translation in 1992, stood out at the time, and stands today, as one of our most learned and theoretically significant engagements with late medieval and early modern mysticism. The translation and publication of this second volume will not simply revisit a singular voice and moment in the history of twentieth century French thought; it will also renew and expand that voice for English readers along lines that remain as relevant today as ever. This exceptional and long awaited work will be received enthusiastically, and put to productive scholarly and pedagogical use, in contexts including religious studies and theology, philosophy, medieval and early modern history, and literary studies.
Thomas Carlson, UC Santa Barbara The Mystic Fable is a work of the first importance in its examination of early modern mystics. It continues and expands upon Certeau's life-long project of understanding how we define ourselves in relation to others. The present, second volume provides an argument for which readers of Certeau have been waiting a long time
and they will not be disappointed. Certeau himself explained that the first volume of Mystic Fable traces the constitution of a new science (mystical speech) and its enunciation in the speaking subject. The second volume, continued Certeau, is the presentation of the contents of this science. Brilliantly and intelligently edited and introduced by the scholar Luce Giard, Mystic Fable II is the product of a singularly gifted and innovative philosopher.
Fran oise Meltzer, University of Chicago