Monk

Monk's Confession

A Monk's Confession is the first completely new English translation of Guibert of Nogent's remarkable memoirs in over seventy years. Written around the year 1115, they offer an unparalleled look at the life of a monk in the Middle Ages. Guibert, who lived his entire life in northern France, called these memoirs his book of monodiae, or solitary songs. Many scholars consider them the first Latin autobiography in the West after Augustine's Confessions. Readers will be stirred and surprised by Guibert's intense preoccupation with the sinfulness of his soul, his visions of demons and necromancy, and his frank struggle to come to terms with his sexuality. But Guibert is also a valuable witness to his age. In addition to his personal history, his memoirs give a brief chronicle of the abbey of Nogent--where he served as abbot for some twenty years--and a vivid account of the bloody uprising of the Laon Commune in 1112. His observations give precious insight into education, monastic life, and the beginnings of the great medieval towns. Paul J. Archambault's translation successfully renders Guibert's Latin--at times stylish, at times rustic--into lively, modern English. He consulted Edmond-René Labande's authoritative 1981 Latin edition with French translation. He provides a complete introduction and annotation that help situate Guibert within the history and literature of the Middle Ages while permitting readers to judge for themselves how to interpret this fascinating voice from the past.

A Monk's Topical Bible

The objective of this effort is to bring together the thoughts and anecdotes from history's greatest minds regarding the issues confounding many Christians. Within this volume are an array of topics, which begin with the letters A thru D. The responses, admonition and precepts presented within these pages are unlike anything preciously published. What you are holding is the wisdom of various monks from the begging of the Christian Era down to modern times. This work is the advice of monks to other fellow monks and those who came for advice. Within these pages are assembled by topic, various issues which have been handed down as the premier advice regarding a topic. This is the first of its kind in print today, and is also the first volume of a larger collection of four. This effort is an admirable addition to the "Monastic Series" as well as anyone's library. This effort is configured to create a bridge from one era to another and dismiss some new-age concepts about an old ideal life style and vocations.

Poems