Bernard of Clairvaux holds a distinguished place in the history of Christian spirituality. During the twelfth century this gentle monk from France became the primary guide for those who follow the path of selfless love as well as a spokesman for a revival in monastic life. This collection of his most important writings provides a superb introduction to a man who has greatly shaped the Western monastic and mystical traditions.

Bernard of Clairvaux, the twelfth-century monk who wrote that "Jesus is honey in the mouth, melody in the ear, a cry of joy in the heart," was both a mystic and a reformer. His writings reveal a mystical theology that Thomas Merton, a monastic heir to Bernard s Cistercian reform, says "explains what it means to be united to God in Christ but (also) shows the meaning of the whole economy of our redemption in Christ." Critical of the monastic opulence of his times, Bernard exhorted his monks to consider that "Salt with hunger is seasoning enough for a man living soberly and wisely." Martin...

To sing the praises of Mary, Bernard studies and contemplates her there where God has so perfectly revealed her, in the Scriptures, taking as his text the passage from Luke, "An Angel was sent to a virgin named Mary." In the company of the Church Fathers and with the help of the liturgy, he uses Holy Writ to provide both the content of what he says and the form in which he says it. Theologically the sermons are thoroughly traditional; in the beauty of their expression they are unparalleled.

Perhaps Bernard's most delightful tract, On Loving God posits that everything good in human persons is an expression of God's love and by love the person may participate in the being of the triune God. In a new analytic commentary, Stiegman examines Bernard's language, logic, and theology, demonstrating the vital importance of reading medieval authors on their own terms, without superimposing categories developed by later generations.

These eighty-six sermons are among the most famous and most beautiful examples of medieval scriptural exegesis. In them the modern reader can catch a glimpse of the genius an entire generation found irresistible.

A landmark in the 'feud' between Citeaux and Cluny, the Apologia contains Saint Bernard's opinion on the place of graphic arts in the monastery and shows his mastery of satire.

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These eighty-six sermons are among the most famous and most beautiful examples of medieval scriptural exegesis. In them the modern reader can catch a glimpse of the genius an entire generation found irresistible.

Bernard ponders a question dear to early Scholasticism and the Reformation: How far can the fallen human person cooperate in salvation?

In 1090 St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a monk of the Cistercian order, was born. One of the great figures of his age, he travelled and preached widely; Cistercian abbeys were founded all over Europe. He left many writings, which included his famous treatises on humility, on the love of God, on grace and free will, and his masterpiece on the Song of Songs. It is from these writings that this collection is drawn. Here we see, not only a compassionate, thoughtful man, not only a scholar devoted to the Bible and to the works of the Fathers, but a Christian of extraordinary vision and faith. To him...