I just got through reading this biography of Meister Eckhart. Very good.
The popular image of Eckhart is that of a pure mystic, probably out in an isolated cottage somewhere, absorbed in the presence of God, maybe occasionally counseling a wandering seeker.
Eckhart was a professor at the University of Paris. He held several official positions in the Dominican order of the Catholic Church. He was extremely well educated in scholastic theology and philosophy. But, like Aquinas, Eckhart eventually became disillusioned with academic theology and its ability to lead a soul to God. Rather, he turned to experience, teaching that each individual could find God by turning within in silence.
Also his first name wasn't Meister, but rather just Eckhart. Meister is a title meaning "master" or "teacher." I did not know that.
Great, engaging read.