The "discernment of spirits" develops criteria to evaluate the divine, diabolical, or natural origins of everyday emotional reactions but also of extraordinary experiences. It is particularly present in the context of late medieval movements to reform religious orders. This volume provides an edition of seven writings on discernment in the vernacular from the Melker Observance and includes an extensive commentary.

Lydia Wegener, Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Berlin, Germany.