Angelic Monks and Earthly Men: Monasticism and its Meaning to Medieval Society

Milis, Ludo J. R.

ISBN 10: 0851157378 / ISBN 13: 9780851157375

Published by Boydell Press, 1999

Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A copy that has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # wbs6645351979

Synopsis:

`Both authoritative and attractive, this is a most welcome study... a cornucopia of facts and insights....' CHOICE Professor Milis challenges the accepted view of monasticism as a powerful social influence on medieval life, supporting his case with detailed arguments. `A new assessment of the impact of monasticism on medieval society... a notable merit is that it obliges its readers to re-examine the assumptions which may have entered into their own consideration of the monastic role in society and led them to a different conclusion.' ENGLISH HISTORICAL REVIEW [Barbara F. Harvey]

Synopsis: Monasticism is often seen as a central driving force of the medieval world - 'a specific spiritual ideal and aim of perfection implemented as a lifestyle' - which had a considerable impact on society as a whole. This challenging book reexamines this view, looking at how monastic ideals and practices interacted with the world outside the monastery walls. Professor Milis believes that, because monastic records predominate, there is a serious risk that the monks' role may have been overemphasised. From this base he sets out to examine what effest monasticism really had on ordinary people, and argues that because monasticism denied the intrinsic value of earthly life, instead placing emphasis on the transcendtal afterlife, it was almost as ineffective as a force for social change. LUDO J.R. MILIS is Professor of Cultural and Religious History of the Middle Ages at the University of Ghent.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Angelic Monks and Earthly Men: Monasticism ...
Publisher: Boydell Press
Publication Date: 1999
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: Very Good