Bernard of Clairvaux: Selected Works (The Classics of Western Spirituality) (Paperback)

~ Bernard of Clairvaux (Author), G. R. Evans (Translator), Ewert Cousins (Introduction), Jean LeClercq (Introduction) "Bernard's sermon On Conversion was given in 1140 in Paris, as a public discourse..." (more)
Key Phrases: Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Song of Songs (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Born in Fontaines-lès-Dijon in 1090, Bernard had become, by his twenty-fifth birthday, the abbot of a Cistercian monastery which he had founded in the valley of Clairvaux near Aube, France, some four years earlier. There in those isolated and rugged surroundings he became the spokesman for a revival of monastic life in an age when the radical spirit of religious life was endangered by a movement, best seen in the excesses of the monks of Cluny, that stressed the adaptation of the rule of St. Benedict to the exigencies-and taste for princely comforts-of the royal courts of twelfth-century France.

But Bernard's dedication to the strict observance of Benedict's rule was mingled not with the abrasive, shrill style of the prophet but with a sweetness and purity of vision that earned him the title Doctor mellifluous. For he possessed a sense of the love of God, the importance of humility, and the sheer beauty of holiness that has made his writings favorites of scholars and laymen alike throughout the ages. Here in a new translation by G.R. Evans are the writings that have had such a major role in shaping the Western monastic tradition and influencing the development of catholic mystical theology. Together with an introduction by the master of Bernard studies, Jean Leclercq, they comprise a volume that occupies a place of special importance in the chronicle of the history of the Western spiritual adventure.

Language Notes

Text: English, Latin (translation)

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press (January 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809129175
• ISBN-13: 978-0809129171
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #279,643 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Spiritual Reading., February 21, 2002

By	"xerxes70" (Kansas) - See all my reviews

Anyone, I mean anyone searching for a greater understanding on such things as Loving God, Humility and Pride,or conversion of Heart, or many other Topic, should Consider this book as a treasury of Wisdon. St. Bernard takes complicated ideas and concepts and makes them clear for those of us without the Saintly Mind. I would certantly say that his writings are some of the best in All of Christian history. This translation is consice and leaves nothing of importance out, I commend the translator on this edition. My hopes are that many will find this book a great help in your own Spiritual Journey.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars concise presentation of a fantastic person, October 2, 2009

By	D. Dowling (Chicago) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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While Bernard is often known for his association with early church politics this book presents a clear description of his theology and spirituality. The choosen excerpts from his own writings are translated in a easy to read, enjoyable format.

21 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bernard Clairvaux: Selected Works, May 11, 2000

By	Linda Devine (Wyoming) - See all my reviews

An excellent book for anyone seeking to use the Early Church Fathers as mentors in learnig to know God better. The book includes writings of St. Bernard that focus on a deeper intimate relationship with God. G.R. Evans provides a brief introduction of the writings as well as a short biography on St. Bernard. Well edited and easy to understand.