The Cistercian World

Founded in 1098 in Citeaux, France, the Cistercian Order sought a return to strict asceticism and a life of poverty. By the end of the 12th century, there were 530 Cistercian abbeys in Europe, and the abbot St. Bernard had become one of the most influential writers of the period. This book contains his letters, sermons, and other works, as well as biographies of other Cistercians.