Results | The Premonstratensian Order in the Middle Ages Bibliography

This thesis examines the contemplative thought of Adam of Dryburgh (c. 1150 - c. 1213), one of the most significant representatives of early Premonstratensian spirituality, demonstrating the significance of meditation in Adam's Premonstratensian contemplative thought for articulating the relation between creation and the Creator, the relation between the tripartite divine image and the Trinity, and for leading the contemplator towards contemplation of the divine. Referring to the distinction between meditation (understood as a type of interpretative analysis) and contemplation (a type of understanding of the truth) as articulated by Jordan Aumann and Adam's medieval counterparts, this thesis analyses and contextualises Adam's expression of these concepts with particular reference to Augustinian and Victorine thought. Chapter 1 examines Adam’s understanding of 'lectio divina' (encompassing reading, meditation, prayer and contemplation as defined by the Carthusian Guigo II) in Adam's commentary on the Rule of St. Augustine, 'Liber de ordine,' and his sermon collection 'Ad viros religiosos,' which express Adam's ideals concerning the contemplative aspect of Premonstratensian religious life. Chapter 2 considers Adam's contemplative exegesis 'De tripartito tabernaculo,' systematising his spiritual interpretation of the tabernacle, analysing the fivefold spiritual progression towards God, which demonstrates elements of bridal mysticism, and indicating Adam's apophaticism regarding contemplation of the Trinity. Chapter 3 analyses Adam's meditation on creation in 'De triplici genere contemplationis,' identifying five contemplative principles contributing to the realisation of divine attributes, and contextualising these in light of St. Augustine's 'Confessions' and Hugh of St. Victor's 'On the Three Days.' Chapter 4 examines Adam's introspection and contemplation of the Trinity in 'De triplici genere contemplationis' – analysing, firstly, his introspection concerning the relationship between the body and soul, then the introspection of the tripartite divine image (explicated as 'esse,' 'scientia' and 'amor') ultimately leading to contemplation of the Trinity.

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Fehér, K., & Török, Á. (2022). Detecting short-term weathering of stone monuments by 3D laser scanning: lithology, wall orientation, material loss. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 58, 245–255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2022.10.012

Stone deterioration is a non-linear process that is difficult to observe in a short period. The current study documents surface changes related to material loss using terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) and explains the differences in weathering of lithotypes and different wall orientations of various weathering forms. Ruins of a medieval church constructed from weathering-prone porous limestone were surveyed prior to and after a winter period in a five-month interval with two scan phases. Thirty-five stone surfaces of exposed and sheltered wall sections of different compass orientations were compared to assess the short-term material loss and weathering. The study revealed that more than 30% of the selected surfaces show a major surface retreat of more than 4 mm. Three to nine percent of the scanned areas show countable deterioration. The most significant material loss was recorded at rain exposed but partially wind protected walls facing Northeast. Lithology also controls the surface loss and the rate of weathering. Ooidal porous limestone is the most sensitive lithology to weathering. The minor heterogeneities of the stone ashlar and the co-existence of weathered and seemingly intact areas even within one stone block were also considered. Comparing two time-lapses allows for recognizing even minor surface loss. Scans could be made before and after the weathering threshold, but it cannot be predicted when the threshold is reached.

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Albers, C. (2022, July). The Premonstratensians and the Virgins. International Medieval Sermon Studies Society, 23rd Symposium, University of St. Thomas, Iversen Center for Faith. https://ir.stthomas.edu/events/registered_events/imsss_symposium_2022/25

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Buck, A. D. (2022). Remembering Outremer in the West: The Secunda pars historiae Iherosolimitane and the Crisis of Crusading in Mid-twelfth-century France. Speculum, 97(2), 377–414. https://doi.org/10.1086/718762

The article offers the ﬁrst detailed study of a hitherto underappreciated narrative of the early years of Latin Settlement in Outremer following the First Crusade (1095–99), the Secunda pars historiae Iherosolimitane, often attributed to Lisiard of Tours. Taking inspiration from methodological developments in the ﬁeld of “Crusade Studies” that have emphasized the narratives relating to this movement as crucial “cultural artifacts” of Latin Christian society, it seeks to demonstrate the valuable light this text sheds on twelfth-century perceptions of the Latin East, the importance of crusading to local identities, reactions to crusading failures, and international monastic networks. After establishing that the Secunda historia should be situated in northeastern France in the early 1150s, and linked in particular to the Premonstratensian order and a church council held at Laon Cathedral in March 1150, it is argued that the text served two key purposes. First, that after the failed Second Crusade (1146–49), efforts to explain defeat necessitated the incorporation of the Latin East’s history, rather than merely the First Crusade (the inﬂuence of which hung heavily over contemporary crusade promotion), as a site of divine punishment and reward; and second, that these same narratorial motives were harnessed to validate and promote further crusading.

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Handford, I. (2022, February 13). Ilsham Chapel dates back to Saxon times and the Canons of Torre Abbey. Torbay Weekly. https://www.torbayweekly.co.uk/news/local-news/1224605/ilsham-chapel-dates-back-to-saxon-times-and-the-canons-of-torre-abbey.html

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