Medieval Monasticism: Forms of Religious Life in Western Europe in the Middle Ages

Medieval Monasticism explores the Western Monastic tradition from its fourth-century origins in Egypt and Syria to the many forms of religious life during the Middle Ages. It discusses the relationship between monasteries and the secular world, including controversies between the Benedictines and reformed monasticism and the challenges faced by women in religious life. The fifth edition has been revised to include an updated bibliography and an introduction discussing recent trends in monastic studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Medieval Monasticism is a comprehensive exploration of the Western Monastic tradition, tracing its origins from the deserts of Egypt and Syria in the fourth century to the diverse forms of religious life it assumed during the Middle Ages. The book delves into the intricate relationship between monasteries and the secular world surrounding them, shedding light on the complex dynamics between these two spheres.

For centuries, the great monastic houses and religious orders played a pivotal role in the social fabric of the West, and their leaders were influential figures in both the political and spiritual realms of the medieval world. This book presents a wealth of information about these influential figures, including their supporters and critics, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of their lives and contributions.

One of the key themes explored in Medieval Monasticism is the controversy between the Benedictines and the reformed monasticism of the twelfth century. The book provides a detailed account of the debates and conflicts that arose between these two groups, highlighting the issues and challenges that confronted women in religious life during this period. A comprehensive glossary offers readers a valuable resource for understanding the terminology, offering a helpful vocabulary of the subject.

In this fifth edition, the book has been revised by Janet Burton to include an updated bibliography and an introduction that discusses recent trends in monastic studies. These trends include reinterpretations of issues of reform and renewal, new scholarship on religious women, and interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches. The introduction provides a valuable framework for understanding the current state of research in the field, making the book an essential reading for both students and scholars of the medieval world.

Medieval Monasticism offers a rich and detailed account of the Western Monastic tradition, providing a valuable insight into the lives and contributions of the monastic orders and their leaders. The book's comprehensive approach, combined with its updated bibliography and introduction, makes it an essential resource for anyone interested in studying the medieval world.

Weight: 840g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367767907
Edition number: 5 ed