A study of life inside medieval monasteries that explores monastic spirituality, daily routines, contact with the outside world, and the historical impact of these foundational institutions on the Western world.
• Surveys the history of the monastery, describing its origins, purpose, geographic spread, and impact on the larger society
• Provides a glimpse of the rich and often idiosyncratic evidence that survives for medieval monasteries
• Emphasizes the pervasiveness of monasticism in medieval Europe, the versatility of the monastic tradition, and its remarkable survival
• Brings to life the interior experience of a typical monk or nun, allowing readers to understand what draws some individuals to the monastic life
