Review by Choice Review
"The time has come to restore the former fame of Abelard and Heloise among the reading public," writes Clanchy, and his book will do much to accomplish this goal. He sets Abelard in his 12th-century context, organizing the book under three main headings ("Knowledge," "Experience," and "Religion"), subdivided into the various roles played by his subject, such as "Master," "Lover," "Knight," and "Heretic." Because of the thematic organization of the work, there is much repetition and it does not lend itself to being read straight through. However, some chapters are exceptional and can stand alone, such as "Literate" and "Master," where Clanchy, author of the seminal From Memory to Written Record: England, 1066-1307 (CH, Dec'79), displays his deep understanding of education and reading in the Middle Ages. Also excellent is "Heretic," which pulls together the complex and fascinating tale of Abelard's trial at Sens in 1140. Clanchy dismisses the assertion that the autobiography and letters might be forgeries, and he emphasizes the important role Heloise played in Abelard's intellectual development. Clanchy writes with admirable clarity and attaches a useful "who's who," a series of chronologies, two maps, and notes. All levels. E. Edson; Piedmont Virginia Community College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
