The Book of the Lover and the Beloved Translated from the Catalan of Ramón Lull with an Introductory Essay by E. Allison Peers

"The Book of the Lover and the Beloved" by Ramon Llull is a mystical story written in the 1300s showcasing huge themes of love, extreme desire, and deep spirituality. The story unfolds as a poem in a conversation between the Lover and the Beloved and travels through what it means to love divinely along with all the hard emotions that come from complete devotion. Early in the story, the Lover asks questions as he wonders and wants to know more about the Beloved, wondering about love and how hard it can be. In his expressive verses, we learn of the Lover's journey and all the pain, wishes, and philosophical thoughts that each interaction brings about. The story then focuses on the mystical understanding, spiritual maturing, and emotional effects of love, which leads to a deeper look at mysticism and searching for a connection with God as the story moves forward.