Even prior to her widely observed 500th anniversary, Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582) was already considered one of the most important authors of occidental mysticism. This volume gathers together contributions from a multitude of disciplines to explore the writings and reception of the Spanish author and saint. Previously disregarded lines of tradition are explored for a new understanding of her oeuvre, which is examined here with special regard to the potential to affect its readers. Teresa proves to not only be an accomplished, but also a very literary writer. 'Santa Teresa' proves to be a figure of cultural memory, and the diffusion of her thinking is traced up to the present, whereby a recurrent focus is put on the phenomenon of ecstasy. Part of the widespread resonance of her work is the image of the iconic saint whose emergence as an international phenomenon is presented here for the first time. The volume is closed by an interview with Marina Abramovic answering four questions about Teresa.

Dr. Iris Roebling-Grau ist Privatdozentin an der FU Berlin für die Fächer Allgemeine und Vergleichende Literaturwissenschaft und Romanische Philologie. Dr. Martina Bengert, Akademische Rätin a.Z., ist wissenschaftliche Assistentin am Institut für Romanische Philologie der LMU München. Sie unterrichtet französische und spanische Literaturwissenschaft.