This two-volume edition presents two central texts from the medieval German mystic tradition, the Liber specialis gratiae by Mechthild von Hakeborn and the Lux divinitatis - Das Liecht der Gotheit by Mechthild von Magdeburg. Mechthild von Hakeborn wrote her book at the end of the 13th century in the convent of Helfta near Eisleben. 250 texts in Latin and the vernacular from the 14th to 16th centuries suggest that the book was widely known. The Fliessende Licht der Gottheit reports on visionary experiences and contains prayers together with didactic and reflective sections referring to the contemporary situation. Scholars regard this as the "genesis of mystical literature in the vernacular." This new edition contains both the Middle High German text and a medieval Latin translation, together with the textual history of both works, an introduction to their meaning, the historical backgrounds and the effects the works had. The edition is completed with detailed indexes (of biblical references, persons etc.) and a comprehensive bibliography.