The Love Letters of Abelard and Heloise

by Pierre Abélard

The Love Letters of Abelard and Heloise is a collection of letters written between the famous medieval theologian and philosopher Peter Abelard and his lover, Heloise. The letters were written in the 12th century and are considered one of the greatest love stories in Western literature.

The letters provide a detailed account of the love affair between Abelard and Heloise, which began when Abelard was Heloise's tutor. The relationship was scandalous at the time, as Abelard was already a renowned scholar and Heloise was the niece of a canon.

The letters reveal the depth of the couple's affection for each other, as well as the difficulties they faced in pursuing their relationship. They also provide insights into the intellectual and religious climate of the time, as Abelard was a leading figure in the scholastic movement and Heloise was a highly educated woman.

The letters also provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of medieval women, as Heloise's letters reveal her struggles with the limitations placed on women in her society. Despite the obstacles they faced, Abelard and Heloise's love persisted, and their letters provide a touching testimony to their devotion to each other.

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2024

About the author

Nominalist application of French theologian, philosopher, and composer Peter Abelard or Pierre Abélard of the principles of ancient Greek logic to the doctrines of the medieval Catholic Church led to charges of heresy; after his pupil Héloise, his pupil and the object of his lust affair, bore him a child, he secretly married her, whose angered family castrated him, after which he served as a monk.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_A...

Reviews

[Kristy Pimm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. The language was rich and the yearning between the two was almost painful to contemplate.
I just wish I could forgive Abelard for, not only allowing the pair to be separated (and disregarding their son), but then forcing Heloise into the nunnery for the sole purpose of keeping her from marriage to anyone else. He does seem to truly believe this is necessary for her salvation, but it seems a very selfish decision that leaves her miserable. Heloise was also brilliantly intelligent and had the potential to make her own mark in the academic world.
My heart hurts for her wasted life.