The Monks of the West, from St. Benedict to St. Bernard

The book is organized as a broad historical survey of monasticism before the age of St. Bernard. The opening Introduction discusses the origin of the work, the fundamental character of monastic institutions, the nature of monastic vocation, the services rendered by monks to Christendom, the happiness of cloistered life, accusations concerning monastic wealth, decline, ruin, the meaning of the Middle Ages, and the reception of the book. Book I examines the Roman Empire after the peace of the Church, emphasizing the weakness of imperial Christianity, social decay, and the need for new religious and civilizing forces. Book II studies Eastern monastic precursors, including the Desert Fathers, the Thebaid, St. Anthony, St. Pachomius, St. Basil, St. Gregory of Nazianzus, St. John Chrysostom, and the spread and decline of Eastern monasticism. Book III follows Western precursors, including Roman ascetic circles, St. Jerome, St. Augustine, St. Martin, Lérins, Cassian, Gaulish monasteries, and the need for Benedictine regulation. Book IV focuses on St. Benedict, Subiaco, Monte Cassino, and the Benedictine Rule. Book V treats St. Gregory the Great and monastic Italy and Spain. Book VI studies monks under the first Merovingians. Book VII presents St. Columbanus, Irish monastic missions in Gaul, Luxeuil, and its colonies. Book VIII turns to the Christian origins of the British Isles, including Britain before the Saxon conversion, the saints and monks of Wales, and monastic Ireland after St. Patrick.