aspirations, the rise of western monasticism was the most note- worthy event of the early centuries. The importance of monasteries cannot be overstressed as sources of spirituality, learning and auto- nomy in the intensely masculinized, militarized feudal period. Drawing their members from the highest levels of society, women's monasteries provided an outlet for the energy and ambition of strong-willed women, as well as positions of considerable authority. Even from periods relatively inhospitable to learning of all kinds, the memory has been preserved of a good number of women of education....