Julian of Norwich, born in the late 14th century, was a well-known Christian mystic and anchoress who lived in England. During a critical time of illness in May 1373, she experienced a series of intense visions that she interpreted as direct revelations from God. As she lay gravely ill, Julian received these mystical insights vividly, providing her with profound understandings about the nature of divinity, the role of suffering in human life, and the everlasting love of God. Her experiences during this period were remarkable, leading her to a deep sense of the compassion that God holds for humanity, and her reflections upon them would later influence Christian thought profoundly.

After her recovery, Julian took to documenting her visions in a work known as 'Revelations of Divine Love,' where she articulated her experiences and elucidated her theological insights. Her writing is notable for its rich exploration of concepts such as sin, grace, and the assurance of salvation. Unlike many of her contemporaries, who focused on the wrath of God, Julian emphasized the nurturing and loving aspects of divinity, portraying an optimistic view of God's relationship with humanity.

The context of Julian's time was characterized by societal and religious turmoil, including the Black Death and the Hundred Years' War. In such an environment, her messages of hope and compassion resonated deeply. Written in the vernacular Middle English, her work was unique among spiritual texts of the era, which were often composed in Latin, and she became one of the first women to write a book in English. Her revelations inspired many and contributed significantly to the development of later Christian mysticism, particularly in how it addressed themes of divine love and personal connection to God.