Carefully edited for the undergraduate reader, this Norton Critical Edition includes an informed introduction, focusing on Julian's theology and preparing students to understand the complex, controversial themes of the text, particularly Julian's solution to the problem of evil in Revelation XIII and XIV. Paragraph divisions have been organized to emphasize the thematic units of each chapter, and the sentences have been punctuated for clarity.

The text included is a Middle English edition, based on the Paris manuscript (1580-1650) of the long text, with language akin to Chaucer's and therefore more accessible than other Middle English editions.

"Contexts" includes contemporary texts that help students better understand Julian's originality, including selections from works by Margery Kempe, Augustine, Aelred of Rievaulx, and Walter Hilton.

"Criticism" brings together interpretations that address the themes and style of the Showings by Sandra McEntire, Lynn Staley, B. A. Windeatt, and David Aers, among others.

A Selected Bibliography is also included.