'Many people will certainly be delighted, as I was, to read such clever and sympathetic pages about Rupert of Deutz, Abelard, Peter of Chanter, and of course (as Dr Evans is one of his most affectionate scholars) Anselm of Canterbury.' New Blackfrairs

'The presuppositions, methods and habits of Latin writers of the eleventh and twelfth centuries are learnedly examined and lucidly expounded, with a glance back to Augustine and Gregory … The interplay of philosophy and tradition with sacred text makes fascinating reading.' Society for Old Testament Study Booklist

'Constant allusions to particular persons at concrete moments keep the narrative down to earth and unremote … individuals are not subsumed beneath grand general categories … The story is rather traced honestly, receptively, and flexibly from the works, practices, and life-histories of recognizable persons.' Journal of Theological Studies