Julian of Norwich (circa 1342-1416) was an English anchoress, a mystic and theologian. She authored the first book written in English by a woman, based on visions she had received when she was very ill and near death. She lived in a two-room anchorite cell, attached to the Church of St. Julian in Norwich, the second largest city in England at the time.  She had a window overlooking the church altar so that she could participate in Mass and receive communion.  In addition, she counseled visitors who came to visit her, including Margery Kempe, a contemporary pilgrim laywoman who wrote...