This collection transports us into the monastic age - the thousand years between the sixth and sixteenth centuries, when the monasteries were the treasure-houses of Europe's social, cultural and religious heritage. The men we encounter are each representative, in differing ways, of their own historical setting and of the strengths and weaknesses of mankind. Professor Knowles portrays outstanding spiritual leaders, such as St Bernard and St Francis; the powerful intellects, the writers and artists, such as St Anselm, Bede and Matthew Paris; some of the noblemen, politicians and magnates; and those, like Gerald of Wales or John Wyclif, who were fierce and not always just critics of the monastic way of life; some lesser figures whose interests were limited to farm administration or country pursuits; and those almost forgotten men who died for their faith under the shadow of the Reformation. Each study is remarkable for its balance, sympathy and understanding; this is a collection by a great scholar who is an artist in words.
- ISBN10 0313262195
- ISBN13 9780313262197
- Publish Date 16 May 1988 (first published 2 January 1962)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Publisher ABC-CLIO
- Imprint Praeger Publishers Inc
- Edition New edition
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 232
- Language English