The World of Hildegard of Bingen: Her Life, Times, and Visions

Hildegard of Bingen was an abbess of great authority and remains a holy person of the Catholic Church. Nine hundred years after her birth, the popularity and the influence of this great Visionary continue to grow. Her astonishing achievements in so many fields bring inspiration, joy, and help to more people every day. But true appreciation for those achievements requires an informed commentary and interpretation of their originality when compared to the structures of thought, art, religion, and politics in the twelfth century. The World of Hildegard of Bingen provides that commentary and interpretation, bringing Hildegard's Visions, thoughts, and practice to life.

In The World of Hildegard of Bingen Heinrich Schipperges, an authority on Hildegard, offers an in-depth look at one of history's most fascinating Christians. He considers Hildegard's mind and thought from the basis of her understanding of wholeness, both human and universal. He sees her in the context of the political and ecclesiastical events of her time and discusses Hildegard's theology of music and of art. He also elicits the meaning of her symbolism for people's lives today.

For Hildegard, the health and beauty of the human mind and body, of moral order, and of the universe reflect the perfection of God. Her Visions and writings speak to us today with extraordinary freshness. In the words and full-color pictures of The World of Hildegard of Bingen, this powerful woman speaks to our minds and eyes across nine centuries, offering us strength and encouragement in our quest for meaning and purpose.

Includes a generous selection of short Visions, descriptions, and poems extracted from Hildegard's works as well as superb color reproductions of her art.

Heinrich Schipperges was educated at the universities of Bonn and Dusseldorf and holds doctorates in medicine and philosophy. He directed the Institute of Medicine at Heidelberg University and is the author of nearly eighty books and eight hundred articles. Recognized as a leading authority on Hildegard of Bingen, Schipperges has devoted most of his work to her since his doctoral thesis in the 1950s.