The Waldensian Dissent: Persecution and Survival, c.1170–c.1570

Cambridge Medieval Textbooks

by Gabriel Audisio, Claire Davison (Translator)

The Poor of Lyons, whom their detractors called "Waldensians"--after the name of their founder Waldo (or Vaudès)--first emerged around 1170 and formed a sect that embraced evangelism, prophesy and poverty. Challenging prohibition by following the Scripture to the last letter, they were condemned as heretics. The Waldensians constituted the only medieval heresy to have survived to the dawn of the so-called "modern" period. Their tale of simple devotion mixed with a fierce tenacity serves to illuminate aspects of religious belief that have persisted to the present day.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Religion

252 pages, Paperback

First published September 2, 1999

Reviews

[David Scarratt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fascinating, well-written book tells the story of the Poor of Lyons, dissenters from the established church who were persecuted yet survived for four centuries. Focusing primarily on the west (Provence and Piedmont), the movement is traced from the end of the 12th c. to what Audisio considers its demise in the 16th c. when it officially joined the Reformation, largely discarding its traditions.

The book includes an introduction, a chapter on origins, four chapters on each of the four centuries of its existence, three chapters discussing particular themes (clandestinity, organization, and culture), an epilogue on post-Reformation Waldensians, and a conclusion addressing a few modern questions about the movement, including an evaluation of some modern attitudes.

Presented as a textbook, the book at times seems more slick than the evidence might warrant. Occasional rhetorical flourishes are a refreshing change from the dry-as-dust style of the average history in English.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Waldensians survived for hundreds of years and across the European continent as medieval dissenters from the Roman Catholic Church and followers of a simple, Biblical faith. This book relies on Waldensian writings, inquisition transcripts, and wills and other legal documents to draw a picture of this elusive group.

[Denise Kettering · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book describes the Waldensian movement from its inception until its absorption into the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. There is information about the group's beliefs and practices as well as how they interacted with other religious groups. This book is a very good introduction and explanation of the Waldensians. The book goes rather deeper than a simple introduction, but also has the type of information that could be useful to someone completely unfamiliar with the Waldensians. The book is arranged chronologically, tracing the movement by century. The book begins with the founding by a man named Valdes in 12th-century Lyons, France. The early emphasis of the movement was on a life of poverty, living biblical tenets, and lay preaching. The early movement drew positive attention, but were not approved officially and eventually became targets of the Inquisition, forcing them to become a clandestine group. They promoted literacy, biblical translation into the vernacular, and eventually became part of the Reformed movement during the Reformation era. This book provides very helpful information for understanding the main beliefs, practices, and history of this group.

[Charles Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is in my opinion the best history on the Poor of Lyons called Waldensians.

[Timothy L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book as a source of materials and leads for other reading. Waldensians are unknown to many modern "church people" as well as pastors and leaders. Audisio, the author, does not seem to be too high on this group nor too hard. He provides as detailed information as is possible. WIthout going back and looking at everything the author used for sources its hard to tell if his recounting is prejudiced toward his own religious affiliation or if he is being coldly objective...

I like the book because it gives background and understanding to the dynamics of the group, why it was formed and perhaps its value.

[Ellis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audisio explains the history of the Waldensians/Poor of Lyons from their birth to their eventual death through assimilation with the Protestants. The writing style is engaging and Audisio's vocabulary is impressive. However, it is hard to get beyond his extremely evident anti-Catholic bias as well his rather arrogant attitude. Still, on a fact level, this book was very informative and addressed the Waldensians/Poor of Lyons from every possible angle and relates this movement well to its social, political, and religious context.

[Daniel Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, research for an upcoming book project.