The Book of the Rewards of Life: Liber Vitae Meritorum [UNABRIDGED] (Paperback)

by Hildegard of Bingen (Author), Bruce W. Hozeski (Translator)
Key Phrases: voice from the living light, storm cloud answer, various other faults, Holy Spirit, Son of God, Certain Other Cleansing Punishments (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"With care and graceful style, Bruce Hozeski has rendered this important but little-known work by one of medieval Europe's great women mystics. This is a valuable contribution to a growing inventory of resources in the history of spirituality."--Ralph Keen, University of Iowa "This volume...discusses the human weaknesses that separate us from god, and focuses on our moral flaws, which appear to be inherent in human consciousness, while revealing the importance of repentane and the virtues of rebuilding our union with God....If you're looking for a handbook of life, here it is."--Medium

Product Description
Hildegard of Bingen, the first German mystic, is one of the most influential women in European history. Born in 1098 in Bockelheim on the Nahe River, Hildegard had her first vision at the age of six, a phenomenon she would continue to experience the rest of her life. At the behest of the archbishop of Mainz, Hildegard set upon recording her visions in writing. Her writings soon propelled her from Benedictine abbess to celebrity as determined reformer, castigating seer, theoretical musician, patient adviser, and exorcist. A woman of extraordinarily energetic and independent mind, Hildegard wrote profusely throughout her life as a prophet, a poet, a musical composer, a dramatist, a physician, and a political moralist. Indeed, her musical compositions have reached new heights in popularity, highlighting the revival of Gregorian chant currently sweeping the United States. Hildegard communicated with popes and princes, with people of both influence and humble status, always standing above the corruption, misery, and ruin--both spiritual and temporal--of the twelfth century.

The second of Hildegard's three books of visions, The Book of the Rewards of Life (Liber Vitae Meritorum) is a study of the human weaknesses that separates us from God. Written with remarkable visual clarity, it stands as one the most subtle and fascinating works ever written on the relationship of various sins to their corresponding virtues. Divided into six parts, this compelling work focuses on our moral flaws, seemingly inherent in human consciousness, and the role of repentance and the virtues in re-establishing our union with God. The first and only complete English translation of this important medieval work, The Book of the Rewards of Life is indeed a handbook of life.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (March 27, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195113713
• ISBN-13: 978-0195113716
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #927,169 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone should read this book., June 3, 2009

By	D. Nashawaty (New England) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book deserves to be found in every library, and especially in every home of devout, mature persons. I regret it took me so long to search out and locate a copy.

8 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Reminds me of my Austrian nanny., August 16, 1999

By	muzza "[e-mail]" (Dallas, OR USA) - See all my reviews

First of all, Hildegard was not the first German mystic. She was, perhaps, the first published German Christian mystic.

I admit this was my first time reading any of her works. Perhaps I chose a non-representative one, or lack appropriate perspective.

Her visions, a weak imitation of the biblical Samuel, come off like the imperious Tuetonic finger wangling rant of someone cooped up too long in the convent. Reminds me of a Austrian nanny I once had. Had Hildegard been a Harold, I doubt she would enjoy the stature she holds today.