Cambridge Companion to Hildegard of Bingen

Thirteen essays explore Hildegard of Bingen's life, works, and impact, providing a comprehensive context for her life and monastic setting, and investigating her output within its monastic and liturgical environments.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This captivating collection of thirteen essays delves into the remarkable life and prolific works of Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), a multifaceted figure known as a monastic founder, spiritual leader, composer, active correspondent, and writer of religious visions, theological treatises, sermons, and scientific and medical texts. With a primary audience of advanced university students and emerging researchers in the field of Hildegard studies, these essays offer a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the various facets of her life and monastic community. Written by esteemed experts in medieval history, theology, German literature, musicology, and the history of medicine, the essays are firmly rooted in the historical context of the twelfth century, providing a deep understanding of Hildegard's output within the monastic and liturgical environments of her time. Through a meticulous examination of her works, the essays investigate her reputation both during her lifetime and in the centuries that followed, shedding light on the materiality of their transmission and the intricate aspects of manuscript layout, illumination, and scribal practices at her renowned Rupertsberg monastery.

The collection opens with an introductory essay that provides a foundational overview of Hildegard's life and achievements. It explores her early upbringing, education, and spiritual calling, highlighting the significant influence of her visionary experiences on her intellectual and creative pursuits. The subsequent essays delve into various aspects of Hildegard's output, covering her religious visions, theological writings, musical compositions, and scientific and medical contributions. Each essay offers a detailed analysis of Hildegard's ideas, themes, and influences, placing her work within the broader context of medieval intellectual and cultural developments.

The essays are written in an engaging and accessible style, making them suitable for both academic scholars and general readers interested in the history and culture of the Middle Ages. They incorporate a wealth of primary sources, including Hildegard's own writings, as well as secondary literature, to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of her life and works. The collection also includes illustrations and photographs that enhance the reader's experience, showcasing the beauty and intricacy of Hildegard's manuscripts and the monastic setting in which she lived and worked.

In conclusion, this exceptional collection of essays provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the life and works of Hildegard of Bingen. By offering a broad context for her life and monastic setting, as well as in-depth discussions on each of her main areas of output, the essays serve as a valuable resource for advanced university students and new Hildegard researchers alike. Through a meticulous examination of her works within their historical and cultural contexts, the essays shed light on the remarkable contributions of this visionary woman and her enduring influence on medieval intellectual and artistic traditions.

Weight: 642g
Dimension: 158 x 238 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108471350
Edition number: New ed