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This book presents an invaluable selection of sermons and theological treatises of the twelfth century author, Isaac of Stella. The English born abbot of the French Cistercian monastery of Stella on the Isle of Ré is one of the most inspiring, yet equally elusive, representatives of the great twelfth century Cistercian Renaissance more widely associated with the person of Bernard of Clairvaux. The astonishing spiritual and intellectual depth of Isaac's surviving writings makes him a valuable read for anyone aiming to receive a complete picture of the intellectual heritage of the Middle Ages. Of the twenty-five sermons by Isaac presented in this volume, ten are made available here in an English translation for the first time. These are accompanied with two new studies examining Isaac of Stella's work from an historical, literary as well as theological perspective.
List of contents
Contents: Part 1 Sermons and Letters: Sermons; Letter on the soul; Letter on the mass. Part 2 Historical and Theological Introduction: Isaac of Stella in context, Bernard McGinn; Introduction to the theology of Isaac of Stella, Daniel Deme. Bibliography; Index.
About the author
Daniel Deme is Lecturer in Systematic and Historical Theology at Roehampton University, UK
Summary
This book presents an invaluable selection of sermons and theological treatises of the twelfth century author, Isaac of Stella. The English born abbot of the French Cistercian monastery of Stella on the Isle of Ré is one of the most inspiring, yet equally elusive, representatives of the great twelfth-century Cistercian Renaissance more widely associated with the person of Bernard of Clairvaux. The astonishing spiritual and intellectual depth of Isaac's surviving writings makes him a valuable read for anyone aiming to receive a complete picture of the intellectual heritage of the Middle Ages. Of the twenty-five sermons by Isaac presented in this volume, ten are made available here in an English translation for the first time. These are accompanied with two new studies examining Isaac of Stella's work from an historical, literary as well as theological perspective.
Additional text
'This book makes available to a wide readership a body of fascinating twelfth-century theological speculation, for which Daniel Deme is an able and enthusiastic advocate.' John Marenbon, Trinity College, Cambridge 'Isaac of Stella is one of the most significant of the Cistercian fathers who work in the shadow of Bernard. Given the interest in medieval theology and philosophy at the present time, and the consuming interest in all things relating to 'spirituality', Isaac and his fellows are due for more attention and there is scarcely anything else on Isaac in English available. This book will be a major aid for those working on the theology and philosophy of the twelfth century and for those interested in the history of the religious life.' Jeremy Sheehy, Principal, St Stephen's House, Oxford
