The Cistercians in the Middle Ages

Monastic Orders

by Janet Burton, Julie Kerr

A full and comprehensive survey of the development of the Cistercian Order which emerged from the tumultuous intellectual and religious fervour of the eleventh and twelfth centuries.

The Cistercians (White Monks) were the most successful monastic experiment to emerge from the tumultuous intellectual and religious fervour of the eleventh and twelfth centuries. By around 1150 they had established houses the length and breadth of Western Christendom and were internationally renowned. They sought to return to a simple form of monastic life, as set down in the Rule of St Benedict, and preferred rural locations "far from the haunts of men".But, as recent research has shown, they were by no means isolated from society but influenced, and were influenced by, the world around them; they moved with the times.
This book explores the phenomenon that was the Cistercian Order, drawing on recent research from various disciplines to consider what it was that made the Cistercians distinctive and how they responded to developments. The book addresses current debates regarding the origins and evolution of the Order; discusses the key primary sources for knowledge; and covers architecture, administration, daily life, spirituality, the economy and the monks' ties with the world.

Professor Janet Burton teaches at theSchool of Archaeology, History and Anthropology, University of Wales Trinity Saint David; Dr Julie Kerr is Honorary Research Fellow in the School of History, University of St Andrews.

Genres: History

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 16, 2011

About the author

Janet Burton is Professor of Medieval History at the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David.

Reviews

[Zareen]

When first I purchased the book last year I just skimmed through it briefly. I decided to begin reading it properly recently.

It is very clear and informative. All statements are backed by examples as evidence. I am happy to have resumed reading it after a year’s gap. Almost matches the last time I sat in on the block to take notes. It was an excellent refresher of what I had learnt & supplemented my information about The Cistercians.

[William Nist]

Burton's book is the clearest introduction to the foundation of the Cistercian Order that I have encountered. It focuses on the 12th and 13th century, and describes the original Benedictine Schism that induced the flee to Citeaux; the spread of the order, the early leaders of the order, and the daily life, economic foundations, status of conversi, etc.

All of this is a friendly, easy to read style.

For those interested in the history of religion, and especially RC religious orders, this work is highly recommended.