Saints and Scholars

This is a collection by a great scholar who is an artist in words.

David Knowles (Author)

9780521091725, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 January 1966

232 pages
20.3 x 12.6 x 1.4 cm, 0.262 kg

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.

1. The rule of St Benedict
2. Bede the venerable
3. Three monastic founders: Dunstan, Ethelwold and Oswald
4. Lanfranc
5. Anselm of Canterbury
6. Alfred of Rievaulx
7. Gilbert Foliot
8. Two great abbots: Odo of Battle and Samson of Bury
9. Hugh of Lincoln
10. Gerald of Wales
11. Francis of Assisi
12. Thomas of Eccleston
13. Roger Bacon
14. Matthew Paris
15. Henry of Eastry
16. Thomas de la Mare
17. Uthred of Boldon
18. John Wyclif
19. William More, Prior of Worcester.

Subject Areas: History [HB]