This is a well-researched biography of an extraordinary spiritual woman. Colonial Latin American Historical Review rates it highly for the general reader, as well as for the professional. I found it easy to read and chock-ful of incredible (and inpiring) information about her. No wonder she advised the king of Spain! No wonder she is considered a Hispanic "American" by many, even though she never left Spain. . . . Yet, even while the author presents Maria of Agreda's history in a very sensitive way, from the mystic's own viewpoint, she leaves plenty of room for readers to decide on their own what really happened. Did she actually "appear" to Native Americans in the southwest as the Lady in Blue? Did she actually "see" Mary of Nazareth while writing Mary's life (Mystical City of God)? I'd be very curious to know what other readers think, because the historical backdrop in this book really helped me to visualize what might actually have happened. ( )