Originally published in Denamark, under the title Pierre Abelard, by Gyldendal.

Bibliography [163]-170.

The Twelfth Century Renaissance -- The Young Dialectician -- Heloïse -- Disputes and Disappointments -- Abelard's Thought -- Bernard of Clairvaux -- The Attack -- The Encounter at Sens -- Epilogue

Most people know the story of Abelard and Héloïse's uncle and his accomplices, and Héloïse forced to enter a convent to lead a life for which she felt no true dedication. Their love letters have been counted among the great works of literature. What is not so well know is the social and religious backgrund of this story Profesor Grane writes of the twelfth century as an age of renaissance, which saw the revival of Greek philosophy and Roman law, a renaissance just as important as that which was to came three centuries later. It was an age of enlightenment; it was the first awakening after the Dark Ages. Foresmost among the leaders of intellectual a brilliant young scholar full of new ideas and new ways of realizing them. Arrogant and outspoken, he clashes violently with other great men —his teacher, William of Champeaux, and later, disastrously, the embittered Bernard of Clairvaux. Despite his many enemies, however, and their unceasing efforts to bring him into dispute, Abelard's enthusiasm never flags, and his influence spreads. Out of his work in the reform of teaching came a great new institution –the university.