Illustrations of the History of Mediaeval Thought and Learning. By
Reginald Lane Poole. (S.P.C.K. 17s. 13d. net.)—Mr. Lane Poole has republished after thirty-six years the scholarly book which first made him known to students of mediaeval history. As a study of leading philosophers of the early Middle Ages, from John Scotus up to Wycliffe, it retains its value, more especially now that the author has revised the text and the notes. We may mention the excellent chapter on Peter Abailard, " a Titanic personality in revolt against the spirit of his time." Mr. Lane Poole shows that Abailard married Heloissa, and that " the marriage was in no wise thought of as an act unbecoming or forbidden to a clergyman." Bernard of Clairvaux persuaded the Council of Sens to condemn Abailard's theological views, but to his friend the pious Abbot of Cluny Abailard was " ever to be named with honour, the servant of Christ and verily Christ's philosopher." Monkish malice has distorted posterity's views of this remarkable man.
Previous page
