"This book is to be recommended to students and scholars alike.' Times Literary Supplement 'The whole oeuvre is remarkable for two things: its ability to bring the reader into a sense of intimate encounter with these old friends of Southern himself; and the undiminished freshness of the writing. As always with Southern, the newness comes from the insights rather than from the discoveries; yet, as always there are discoveries, especially where a controversial point has to be argued. Such points are pressed with the characteristic vigour, and even if not all fellow-scholars will agree with the conclusions none will come away with his previous ideas in quite the same order ... In every part of the text the quite peculiar charm of the twelfth century is allowed to be distinctively itself.' Journal of Theological Studies 'We can be grateful to Lesley Smith and Benedict Ward for their efforts to bring us this volume, a gift from the master of the modern masters.' Journal of Religion "R.W. Southern has been worth spending time with, his own humanism, wisdom, and insight always evident, always enlightening." Paul Edward Dutton