Peter Abélard stood as the preeminent philosopher of the twelfth century and arguably the greatest logician of the Middle Ages. Equally renowned in his lifetime as a poet and composer, he might also have been considered the leading theologian of his era had his ideas garnered more acceptance and less condemnation. Across all these domains, Abélard displayed brilliance, innovation, and a controversial nature; he was a genius, a fact he acknowledged without apology. His profound intellect, wit, charm, and even his arrogance attracted a generation of Europe's brightest minds to Paris, eager to learn from him.
This collection of letters tells the legendary story of the medieval romance between Abelard and Heloise. Bennett's poetic interpretation adds a unique perspective to this timeless tale of love and passion.
This commentary, significant in medieval scholarship yet never fully translated into English, offers a comprehensive exploration of its subject. The volume features an extensive introduction that contextualizes its importance and relevance, making it an essential resource for scholars and readers interested in the medieval period.
The book focuses on the scarcity and rising costs of early 1900s literature, highlighting the value of republishing these classic works. It aims to provide affordable, high-quality modern editions that preserve the original text and artwork, making these timeless pieces accessible to contemporary readers.
Abelard's major ethical writings--Ethics, or Know Yourself, and Dialogue between a Philosopher, a Jew and a Christian, are presented here in a student edition including cross-references, explanatory notes, a full table of references, bibliography, and index.
The story of Heloise and Abelard remains one of the world's most celebrated and tragic love affairs. Despite their misfortunes, these staunch Christians as their letters reveal, found a path through self-pity into acceptance of a changed but lasting relationship Whilst Heloise attained fame for her learning and administrative genius as an abbess, Abelard became an inspired teacher in Paris and the foremost logician of his day. This translation includes Abelard's account of his misfortunes (Historica calamitatum); four of their personal letters; the 'letters of Direction', in which he advises her how to adapt for women the rule of Benedict; correspondence between Heloise and peter the Venerable and two Abelard's hymns--from back cover