Self and Society in Medieval France

by Guibert de Nogent, John F. Benton (Editor/Introduction)

In its original printing, this edition of the Autobiography was greeted in Saturday Review as 'a treasure-house of information on education, monastic life, and the beginnings of the great medieval towns ... also delightful reading with its mingling of scholarship and superstition, its stories of necromancy and devils, its other-worldliness warring with human weakness.'

Medieval Academy Reprints for Teaching 15

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Medieval, Memoir, Biography, France, Medieval History

260 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1115

About the author

Guibert de Nogent (c. 1055 – 1124) was a Benedictine historian, theologian and author of autobiographical memoirs. Guibert was relatively unknown in his own time, going virtually unmentioned by his contemporaries. He has only recently caught the attention of scholars who have been more interested in his extensive autobiographical memoirs and personality which provide insight into medieval life.

Reviews

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected this to be more of an autobiography and an expression of individualism, but mostly it was his memoirs showing God, Mary, and all the saints in their glory and might. Some of the stories reminded me of pure gossip and superstition. One can imagine monks huddled up together speaking in hushed tones about what happened to so-and-so. The most interesting part of the work, however, was the relating of the uprising of the Laon Commune. It explained how the people gruesomely revolted against abuse, even if it was against members of the Church. Altogether, a good read.

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my research I often wish for personal writings from the monks I study. Something comparable to this memoir by Guibert would be dream come true.

Guibert's discussion of his life, contemporary events, and the deeds of saints is compelling.

[Vincent Hernot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Those medieval texts are fascinating for what they reveal, both about life then and about the very idea of autobiography, and therefore about the idea of self.
It's not a bundle of laughs exactly, even if Nogent has some St Augustine-like self-deprecating lines, but if you get into it, the picture that emerges (of power, of belief, of subjection, of vision) is very interesting indeed.
Ultimately, the most interesting aspect of what autobiographies were then: not a way to self-analyse and reveal things about oneself, but as a path to the glory of God and as illustrations of sins/precepts etc. One talks about oneself only in order to worship.
How autobiographies have changed! - but more to the point: how the conception of the self has changed!

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly insightful account for modern readers, allowing us to understand a degree of medieval psychology. Guibert presents an interesting case of being one of the first pieces of autobiographical writing in the Western world, following patterns learnt by St. Augustine in the 4th century.

Lots of interesting analysis can be done on the contents of this book. Although very heavy on religion, Guibert wove in many detailed and intimate aspects about his life, relationships and connection to the world around him. It has been particularly insightful to read about his relationship with his mother. Without going too in depth about possible interpretations and broader historiography on this book, it was a genuinely interesting read. Would definitely recommend.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Need to verify this is the translation/edition I read way back when.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new translation of a rare autobiography from the middle ages. This brilliant translation brings one into the mind of a man who lived almost 1,000 years ago in medieval France.

[Iorek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Guibert's twelfth century autobiography is a beautiful contrast to comparable texts like Peter Abelard's Historia Calamitatum and the letters of Abelard and Heloise. His complicated psychology and his first hand accounts of life in 12th century France make him invaluable in understanding the mental, spiritual, political and social world of the High Middle Ages.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Required reading for any Medieval history fanboy/girl

[Brad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 1 - awful, skip to Book 2, monkinsh anecdotes. Book 3 is the real prime meat of the book, an account of the uprising of Laon and the resulting anarchy.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Medieval Christianity? Eh. A monk's commentary on life? Okay, somewhat interesting.

[Peter J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring at first and full of adoration of Mary, but gets more interesting, though rife with superstition, in the latter third. Was enjoyable peering through the eyes of a middle ager though.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

First-hand account from writings of a medieval churchman.