Three Studies in Medieval Religious and Social Thought: The Interpretation of Mary and Martha, the Ideal of the Imitation of Chr

Description

This volume concentrates on the changes in religious thought and institutions in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, and includes not only monks and nuns but also less organised types of life such as hermits, recluses, crusaders, and penitents. It is complimentary to Professor Constable's subsequent book, The Reformation of the Twelfth Century (now also published as a paperback), but is dissimilar to it in examining three themes over a long period, from late Antiquity to the seventeenth century, in order to show how they changed over time.

'... a work of great maturity and sophistication ... to which students of twelfth-century religious life will turn again and again with fresh appreciation each time of its richness and wisdom ... These studies will become foundational for future scholars of medieval religious life, and therefore merit careful, engaged reading - the highest mark of scholarly achievement.' John Van Engen, Journal of Eccclesiastical History