Elisabeth of Schonau: A Twelfth Century Visionary (Middle Ages Series)

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating companion to studies of Hildegard of Bingen.
Review: It's hard to believe that Hildegard of Bingen, world-wide hit phenomenon of the mystic nuns tradition, has only become widely popular since the 1960's. Now here is the first biography to do justice to her contemporary and arguably her soul-mate: Elisabeth von Schonau. This book puts our times in a great perspective, since Elisabeth, the spiritual daughter of Hildegard who was her friend and confidant, was actually more popularly received than Hildegard in those early crusader's times. Elisabeth's style was more dramatic and apocalyptic; she may have suffered from the lack of the freedoms that metaphorical readings of scripture can afford. However, she and Hildegard were curiously united at a distance in many profound ways, including the venerating of St. Ursula (Elisabeth was the expert here), and opposing the Cathars, who would have had the exemplary lives of the saints obliterated. This book is unique, well-organized, and all attentions it may receive would be we! ! ll-deserved.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating companion to studies of Hildegard of Bingen.
Review: It's hard to believe that Hildegard of Bingen, world-wide hit phenomenon of the mystic nuns tradition, has only become widely popular since the 1960's. Now here is the first biography to do justice to her contemporary and arguably her soul-mate: Elisabeth von Schonau. This book puts our times in a great perspective, since Elisabeth, the spiritual daughter of Hildegard who was her friend and confidant, was actually more popularly received than Hildegard in those early crusader's times. Elisabeth's style was more dramatic and apocalyptic; she may have suffered from the lack of the freedoms that metaphorical readings of scripture can afford. However, she and Hildegard were curiously united at a distance in many profound ways, including the venerating of St. Ursula (Elisabeth was the expert here), and opposing the Cathars, who would have had the exemplary lives of the saints obliterated. This book is unique, well-organized, and all attentions it may receive would be we! ! ll-deserved.