Description
Book SynopsisThe Cistercian Order was born in Burgundy at the start of the twelfth century as a movement of radical renewal - an Order that survives to this day with the greater part of its written heritage preserved. This volume brings together a selection of its finest works, which speak powerfully across the centuries to modern readers. Writings by St Bernard of Clairvaux (c. 1090-1153) - including his letters, The Life of Malachy the Irishman, sermons on the Song of Songs and the sharply satirical Apologia for Abbot William - reveal him to be a highly individual and influential writer of the Middle Ages. Also included here are a charming description of Clairvaux, biographies of abbots and a series of exemplary stories, all drawing on the Scriptures to express intensely personal forms of monastic theology.
Table of ContentsCiteAuX: the early years: The Little Exord; The Admonition of Stephen Harding. Bernard of Clairvaux: From "The Vita Prima" by William of St Thierry, Arnald of Bonneval and Geoffrey of Auxerre; From "An Apologia for Abbot William"; From "The Life of Malachy the Irishman"; Three Sermons on the Song of Songs; From "On Consideration"; Nine Letters. William of St Thierry: Three Meditations. Guerric of Igny: Three Sermons. Amedeus of Lausanne: From the Fourth Homily on Mary, the Virgin Mother. Aelred of Rievaulx: From "The Life of Aelred" by Walter Daniel; From "On Spiritual Friendship"; From "The Mirror of Charity"; Pastoral Prayer. Isaac of Stella: Two Sermons. Gilbert of Hoyland: Two Sermons; Two Letters. John of Ford: From "The Life of Wtqric of Haselbury". Adam of Perseigne: Two Letters. A description of Clairvaux: A Description of Clairvaux. Through memory's door: Eight Stories from Exemplum Collections.
