Medieval Monasticism: Forms of Religious Life in Western Europe in the Middle Ages (3rd Edition)

Rating:
Summary: Great Textbook for History courses
Review: Lawrence provides a good general overview of midieval monasticism, it's foundations, it's institutions, it's role in the Church. I strongly reccomend this book as a text for midieval histroy courses, If you want to understand the culture of the middle-ages, you must understand the institution of monasticism, and this book will help you to do that.

Rating:
Summary: monasticism's meandering monks
Review: Lawrence's work provides a good foundation for anyone interested in studying medieval Europe. He traces monasticism from its roots in the deserts of the Middle East to the great Cluniac and Cistercian monasteries of France. Unfortunately, he is biased towards Citeaux and focuses his book on abbots and leaders. If someone wants to learn about the average monk, read the Rule of St. Benedict. If someone wants to begin to understand the evolution of monasticism, then this is one of the best books out there.

Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive work, but wheres St. Patrick?
Review: This book sets out to provide a general overview of medieval monasticism. Starting with it's development in the 3rd Century in the Middle East, Lawrence describes it's early forms, such as strict adherence to ascetism, cenobitism or a combination, and key founders such as Pachomius and Basil. He then traces its spread westward and the explosion of monasticism that occurred shortly after Benedict wrote his Rule for monastic life. From here he touches on Irish monasticism, though perhaps not as thoroughly as warranted, as well as Columbanus and his work in Gaul with the Merovingians. Interestingly, he mentions St. Patrick only briefly and, to me, massively understates Patrick's role in founding the Celtic church and subsequent Irish Monasticism. Perhaps a bit of English bias? To continue, Lawrence examines the founding and influence of Cluny as the first "restoration of Benedictine life" as well as its decline and how it was eventually eclipsed by the Cistercians and subsequently the Friars, each of which also claimed to be getting back to the roots of Benedict's Rule.
Throughout, he details not only the religious but also the secular roles that monasteries played in medieval life. These include such topics as the social, economic and political roles played by monasteries and their abbots. The effects of lay patronage and feudal obligations on monastic life are also detailed. He also describes the rise, decline and fall of the Knightly orders as well as the role of women in monastic life, detailing the Cistercian nuns and Beguines in particular. A discussion of the Friars concludes the work. In this, he details their origins and how they believed in a life of piety among the people rather than separated from them. This led to them undertaking roles as preachers and Samaritans among the populace. He also details how the Friars came in conflict with the clergy (as they often siphoned off parishioners and, concomitantly, money, from established parishes) and the resolution of the dispute. He concludes by detailing the decline of the monasteries, both in numbers and importance, as the need for their social assistance declined and a more secular life became prevalent. Lawrence's overview is well researched, annotated and easy to read. The included glossary is an immense help for the monastic neophyte!

Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive work, but wheres St. Patrick?
Review: This book sets out to provide a general overview of medieval monasticism. Starting with it's development in the 3rd Century in the Middle East, Lawrence describes it's early forms, such as strict adherence to ascetism, cenobitism or a combination, and key founders such as Pachomius and Basil. He then traces its spread westward and the explosion of monasticism that occurred shortly after Benedict wrote his Rule for monastic life. From here he touches on Irish monasticism, though perhaps not as thoroughly as warranted, as well as Columbanus and his work in Gaul with the Merovingians. Interestingly, he mentions St. Patrick only briefly and, to me, massively understates Patrick's role in founding the Celtic church and subsequent Irish Monasticism. Perhaps a bit of English bias? To continue, Lawrence examines the founding and influence of Cluny as the first "restoration of Benedictine life" as well as its decline and how it was eventually eclipsed by the Cistercians and subsequently the Friars, each of which also claimed to be getting back to the roots of Benedict's Rule.
Throughout, he details not only the religious but also the secular roles that monasteries played in medieval life. These include such topics as the social, economic and political roles played by monasteries and their abbots. The effects of lay patronage and feudal obligations on monastic life are also detailed. He also describes the rise, decline and fall of the Knightly orders as well as the role of women in monastic life, detailing the Cistercian nuns and Beguines in particular. A discussion of the Friars concludes the work. In this, he details their origins and how they believed in a life of piety among the people rather than separated from them. This led to them undertaking roles as preachers and Samaritans among the populace. He also details how the Friars came in conflict with the clergy (as they often siphoned off parishioners and, concomitantly, money, from established parishes) and the resolution of the dispute. He concludes by detailing the decline of the monasteries, both in numbers and importance, as the need for their social assistance declined and a more secular life became prevalent. Lawrence's overview is well researched, annotated and easy to read. The included glossary is an immense help for the monastic neophyte!