This volume in the prestigious Classics of Western Spirituality series offers in translation with introductions, significant works written in the first generation of the founding in the twelfth century of the Canons Regular of Prémontré (also known as the Premonstratensians or Norbertines after their founder, Norbert of Xanten). From the many twelfth century works and authors of the Order, the translators-authors of the introductions of this work have chosen those writers who knew Norbert personally. This volume presents for the first time in English the two medieval vitae of Norbert (one in its totality and the other by significant selections). The other texts chosen and their introductions contextualize Norbert and his foundation within areas of study, such as medieval controversies between monks and canons, the situation of religious women, the instruction of the clergy, and the conversion of members of the nobility to religious life under the impulse of the Gregorian Reform.
†

Introduction by: Carol Neel
Preface by: Andrew D Ciferni