Lilian Staveley was unknown to the public when, at the end of the first world war, she brought to John M. Watkins of London a manuscript to offer for publication. For the sake of her own privacy, she insisted upon remaining anonymous, since her beloved but non-mystical husband – Brigadier General William Cathcart Staveley of the British army – was still living, and she was surrounded by the social world she later described in her autobiography, The Prodigal Returns. It was only after her death that General Staveley learned that his beloved wife and companion of nearly thirty years had long led a hidden spiritual life, which from charity she had opened to the reading public in three works. These works, including this book, constitute a deeply original and grace-filled personal record of a soul’s journey to God. In The Golden Fountain she shares with us many secrets of a life of integral devotion, providing a marvelous example of how true mysticism leaves nothing outside its pale, but in an eminently practical manner knits up all the elements of our everyday existence into the seamless robe of contemplation.
Little is known of the author’s historical person beyond the few facts she herself has told us in The Prodigal Returns. She was born around 1878 into a distinguished and intellectual English family named Bowdoin, descended on both sides from Huguenots of the old French nobility. Lilian Bowdoin was reared in an international setting during an era when modern science seemed to promise an answer to every problem of the universe. Her discovery of a direct and living relationship with God has been chronicled in her autobiography mentioned above. It is characteristic of her spiritual way that she continued to attend Anglican church services throughout her life despite the unique intensity of her individual spiritual life. She died in 1928 and her body lies buried in a Dorsetshire village.
Now, when she and those of her generation who knew her have departed this earth, we can freely honor the anonymous mystic without fear of indiscretion. World Wisdom is happy to bring out this new edition of The Golden Fountain under the name of Lilian Staveley.
About the Author(s)
Lilian Staveley
Lilian Staveley (c. 1878-1928) was an Englishwoman of the late Victorian era who led the life of a seemingly “ordinary soul” of the time. It was only after her death that her husband, Brigadier General John Staveley, and others, learned that she had anonymously published three books. These books (The Prodigal Returns, The Romance of the Soul, and The Golden Fountain) contained autobiographical passages of a soul’s mystic and private journey back to God, and insights and advice accessible to all readers seeking more knowledge of how to deepen our individual relationships with the Divine. World Wisdom has published the following books containing Lilian Stavely's work: UL REMOVED
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Reviews
- Lilian Staveley’s book, The Golden Fountain or, The Soul’s Love for God, is a deeply profound and spiritual exploration of the author’s personal journey towards finding an unbreakable connection with God. Although the title may suggest a religious or theological text, this book transcends mere doctrines and dogmas, speaking directly to the earnest seekers of divine love.
The narrative unfolds as a series of intimate thoughts and confessions, revealing the author’s innermost struggles and triumphs on her path to ultimate union with God. Staveley’s writing is sincere and heartfelt, drawing the reader into her world of spiritual longing and divine yearning.
What sets this book apart is Staveley’s ability to convey complex metaphysical concepts with clarity and simplicity. She effortlessly incorporates profound spiritual teachings, weaving them into her own experiences and reflections. The blending of personal anecdotes and timeless wisdom creates a powerful and relatable narrative that resonates deeply with readers of all backgrounds.
Throughout the book, Staveley explores the idea of divine love as the driving force behind all existence. She delves into the depths of her soul, exposing her vulnerabilities and sharing the moments of divine communion that have shaped her spiritual journey. Her words possess an overwhelming sense of authenticity, leaving one in awe of her unwavering devotion and commitment to the Divine.
The Golden Fountain transcends the boundaries of traditional religious literature, appealing to seekers of truth from various faiths and walks of life. Staveley’s insights offer a refreshing perspective on spirituality, emphasizing the universality of the soul’s love for God.Loyal Books website
