The Celtic Monk: Rules and Writings of Early Irish Monks

Cistercian Studies Series #162

by Uinseann O Maidin (Translator)

In the Early Middle Ages, the Irish temperament 'individualistic, poetic, and deeply loyal to family 'produced great and learned saints and a unique monastic literature. Before the Norman Invasion, the isolation of the island allowed the development of traditions quite different from those of the continent or Britain. The rules, maxims, litanies, and poems of early Irish monks convey the spirituality of the Isle of Saints in the sixth to eighth centuries.

Genres: History

216 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1995

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and scholarly work. The Celtic Monk is primarily a collection of English translations of 6th to 11th century writings of the Irish Celtic monks. The introduction is a brief but sufficient historical and critical review of the history and material. The book is then divided into two parts. Part one is a collection of the ancient Irish monastic rules. These where the guide lines by which the Celtic monasteries ran them selves and lived by. Part two is a collection of other writings. these consisted of poems, prayers, sermons, and litanies. The appendix has some of the writings of the Celtic monks in Latin. Besides the introduction is book is a fairly easy read. From the book you can get a real taste and feel for the flavor of Celtic Christianity. For Celtaphiles and scholars of things Celtic and Celtic Christianity this book is a must for the book shelf!

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the real deal. In a world full "Celtic twilight," those of us who believe that authentic Celtic-style Christianity has something real and important to say, can feel a little bit drowned in fluff. this book of translations of source material is a refreshing oasis. I especially like the translation of The Alphabet of Devotion.