Publisher's description:
Bernard of Clairvaux is perhaps the most controversial figure of Western Europe's vibrant twelfth century. Unlike Abelard, who is seen as a proponent of modern thinking, Bernard is often relegated to the darkest corner of the Middle Ages. Nothing is easy with Bernard, but these fresh evaluations of him and their reviews of recent scholarship enable the reader to make a more balanced evaluation of the man, his writings, and his impact on his period. Bernard emerges as a multifaceted figure who sought to reform monasticism and ended up becoming a saint with an appeal to virtually all classes in medieval society. Bernard lives on today with the lay and monastic scholars who continue to find new layers of meaning in his writings.

Table of contents:
Introduction: A Companion to Bernard of Clairvaux. Brian Patrick McGuire
Bernard’s Life and Works: A Review. Brian Patrick McGuire
Reading Saint Bernard: The Man, the Medium, the Message. Michael Casey OCSO
Bernard and William of Saint Thierry. E. Rozanne Elder
Bernard of Clairvaux and Peter Abelard. Constant J. Mews
Bernard as a Father Abbot. Christopher Holdsworth
Bernard the Writer. M.B. Pranger
Bernard of Clairvaux and the Landscape of Salvation. Mette B. Bruun
Bernard of Clairvaux and Christian Art. Diane J. Reilly
The Heritage of Saint Bernard in Medieval Art. James France
An Old Man’s Tale: My Many Years With Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Chrysogonus Waddell OCSO
Afterword: Looking Back at Bernard. John R. Sommerfeldt
Bibliography
Index