Book Description
For a thousand years the monasteries and religious orders played a major role in the society, economy and culture of the west and this book traces the Western monastic tradition in its social context, from its fourth-century origins in the deserts of Egypt and Syria through to the many and various forms of religious life it assumed during the Middle Ages. Among many topics, the author examines monastic studies and the relationship between the cloister and the schools, the controversy between the Benedictines and the spokesmen of the reformed monasticism of the twelfth century and the social composition of the nunneries and the particular problems that confronted women in the religious life. For readers interested in medieval or religious history.
From the Back Cover
For a thousand years the monasteries and religious orders played a major role in the society, economy and culture of the west and this book traces the Western monastic tradition in its social context, from its fourth-century origins in the deserts of Egypt and Syria through to the many and various forms of religious life it assumed during the Middle Ages. Among many topics, the author examines monastic studies and the relationship between the cloister and the schools, the controversy between the Benedictines and the spokesmen of the reformed monasticism of the twelfth century and the social composition of the nunneries and the particular problems that confronted women in the religious life. For readers interested in medieval or religious history.
Medieval Monasticism: Forms of Religious Life in Western Europe in the Middle Ages FROM THE PUBLISHER
For a thousand years the monasteries and religious orders played a major role in the society, economy and culture of the west and this book traces the Western monastic tradition in its social context, from its fourth-century origins in the deserts of Egypt and Syria through to the many and various forms of religious life it assumed during the Middle Ages. Among many topics, the author examines monastic studies and the relationship between the cloister and the schools, the controversy between the Benedictines and the spokesmen of the reformed monasticism of the twelfth century and the social composition of the nunneries and the particular problems that confronted women in the religious life. For readers interested in medieval or religious history.
FROM THE CRITICS
Booknews
This is a good, basic introduction to the history of monasticism, suitable for undergraduates and interested readers new to the subject or as a general reference for medievalists. Following chapters on the beginning of monasticism with the desert fathers, St. Benedict and his Rule, Lawrence (emeritus, history, U. of London, England) provides a description and history for orders created by the 13th century, and includes separate chapters on nuns and military orders. New to this edition is extended treatment of both the impact of the friars of the 13th century and the 12th-century controversy between the Benedictines and Cistercians. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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