Aelred of Rievaulx - Writings

Writings

For his efforts in writing and administration Aelred has been called by David Knowles the "St. Bernard of the North." Knowles, a historian of monasticism in England, also described him as "a singularly attractive figure … . No other English monk of the twelfth century so lingers in the memory."

Extant works by Aelred include:

Histories and biographies
  • Vita Davidis Scotorum regis ("Life of David, King of the Scots"), written c.1153.
  • Genealogia regum Anglorum ("Genealogy of the Kings of the English"), written 1153–54.
  • Relatio de standardo ("On the Account of the Standard"), also De bello standardii ("On the Battle of the Standard"), 1153–54.
  • Vita S. Eduardi, regis et confessoris "The Life of Saint Edward, King and Confessor," 1161–63.
  • Vita S. Niniani ("The Life of Saint Ninian"), 1154–60.
  • De miraculis Hagustaldensis ecclesiae ("On the Miracles of the Church of Hexham"), ca. 1155.
  • De quodam miraculo miraculi", also known as "" ("A Certain Wonderful Miracle" or "The Nun of Watton"), c.1160
Spiritual treatises
  • Speculum caritatis ("The Mirror of Charity"), ca. 1142.
  • De Iesu puero duodenni ("Jesus as a Boy of Twelve"), 1160-62.
  • De spiritali amicitia ("Spiritual Friendship"), 1164-67.
  • De institutione inclusarum ("The Formation of Anchoresses"), 1160–62.
  • Oratio pastoralis ("Pastoral Prayer"), c.1163–67.
  • De anima ("On the Soul"), c.1164-67.

Many sermons, including "Homeliae de oneribus propheticis Isaiae" ('Homilies on the Prophetic Burdens of Isaiah").

All of Aelred's works have appeared in translation, most in English, but all in French.

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