Volume 2:
The Life of Saint Hugh of Avalon
Bishop of Lincoln 1186–1200
Gerald of Wales (Giraldus Cambrensis)
Edited and translated by Richard M. Loomis (1986)
Born about the year 1140 in the
foothills of the Alps near Grenoble, Hugh of Avalon became
a Carthusian monk at La Grande Chartreuse, observing an
ascetic discipline devoted to prayer and contemplation. In
his mid-40s, he was summoned to England to help found the
first Carthusian monastery in that country at Witham in
Somersetshire. His success was such that in 1186 he was
elected Bishop of Lincoln. As bishop, Hugh helped to make
Lincoln a center of learning, rebuilding the cathedral in
the new Gothic style and winning the respect of the
leaders of his age, including Pope Innocent III and the
kings of England, Henry II, Richard I, and John (who
helped carry the bier at Hugh's funeral in 1200).
Hugh gained a reputation for sanctity
and mercy during his life thanks to his concern for the
poor, his love for children, his hospitality, and his
defense of the Jews. His kindness, wit and cheerful
disposition won him a wide circle of friends, including a
wild swan which guarded him while he slept and
subsequently became his chief iconographic emblem. Hugh
was perhaps most famous for delivering a stinging public
rebuke to Richard I, which the king received with grave
humility. Hugh was canonized a saint in AD 1220.
This edition of the Vita
Sancti Hugonis, originally written by St. Hugh's
contemporary Gerald of Wales, is the earliest biography of
Hugh and contains both the original Latin and a
translation in English by Richard M. Loomis. Divided into
two parts, the first treats of Hugh's life, deeds, virtues
and death. The second part contains a fascinating litany
of miraculous events associated with those who visited the
saint's tomb. The volume also includes a detailed
introduction by the editor and an appendix containing an
excerpt from the Metrical Life of St. Hugh
describing the construction of Lincoln cathedral, as well
as several illustrations and photos. Overall, the work
provides an intimate portrait of one of the outstanding
churchmen of the age and offers a window into life in 12th
century England.
January 2014 [1986] ~ paperback ~ 232 pp. ~ 10 b&w
illus. ~ ISBN 978-1-935228-10-3 ~ $19.95 |
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