Anselm of Havelberg: Deeds into Words in the Twelfth Century

Book excerpt: Important for the political and literary history of the Middle Ages, Anselm served St. Norbert of Xanten, advised three German rulers, acted as a papal legate, and held the offices of bishop of Havelberg and archbishop of Ravenna. He is most famous for his written account of theological debates he held with a Greek archbishop and for his History of the Faithful. Lees's book is the first comprehensive study of Anselm's life and writings, drawing the two together in a new interpretation of the History, the Debates, and Anselm's blistering attack on the monastic life, as well. It will be of great value to those interested in medieval political, intellectual or church history, as well as those interested in the literature of the twelfth century.