Bernard de Clairvaux: Lettres. Tome 3: (92-163). Introduction, translation, and notes by MONIQUE and GASTON DUCHET-SUCHAUX.

Abstract

This third volume of the Latin–French version of the letters of Bernard of Clairvaux takes us from letter 92 to letter 163, through much of the 1130s. The apparatus and indexes follow the pattern of the earlier volumes in the series and the French version is elegant and accessible. This volume has its own short introduction to the letters it contains. Leclercq’s grouping is respected. This offers an ‘English’ sequence (nos. 92–6) relating to Fountains Abbey; a ‘German’ pair (nos. 97–8); a group (nos. 99–112) which deal with various monastic questions, including a subset on problems with vocations; and a group relating to nuns and laywomen seeking spiritual advice (nos. 113–21). Most important perhaps are three further sequences. Letters 122–40 deal with the papal schism which followed the death of Honorius II. The introduction enlarges on this, giving a description of events and a chronology. Letters 141–9 form another ‘monastic’ sequence and include correspondence with Peter the Venerable of Cluny. Letters 150–63 are letters of papal correspondence. So in this volume Bernard the letter-writer is seen at his most involved in the affairs of Europe, political and secular as well as ecclesiastical and spiritual.