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Title: Peter Abelard by Helen Waddell ISBN: 0-14-004254-7 Publisher: Viking Press Pub. Date: October, 1976 Format: Paperback List Price(USD): $1.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 5 (3 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Really stunning on so many levels
Comment: As a PhD student in theology with a background in medieval French history and literature, I've long been a fan of both Abelard and Heloise. Waddell's treatment of their tragic lives is nearly as timeless as they are. I like the fact that Waddell knows what she's talking about--her grasp of Abelard's revolutionary theological ideas (especially at the very moving close of the book, when he's working out his theory of atonement) is the furthest thing from superficial. It's precisely because of her scholar's knowledge that she's able to create a richly-woven setting for her two protagonists. This is something I've not found in any other treatment (especially *Stealing Heaven*, which is ghastly). She doesn't attempt to sensationalize the love story, and there's nothing in the way she presents things that's either anachronistic on the one hand or stilted (in that self-conscious, I'm-writing-medieval-dialogue way) on the other.
I didn't find her Heloise at all bloodless; in fact, quite the opposite. I was pleased that Waddell lets us see Heloise's brilliant intelligence and intellectual fervor. (Abelard fell in love with her mind as much as anything). It's a shame this book is out of print here in the States. For anyone with an interest in the story of Abelard and Heloise (or even for anyone who simply likes good prose and well-done fictionalized history), this is a book that sould not be missed. It's a lovely, sometimes stunning read.
Rating: 5
Summary: A Great Version of a Great Story
Comment: I've always been an admirer of the philosopher Abelard, and like everyone else, I found the story of his love affair with Heloise very touching. So naturally, I jumped at the chance to read a book like this. And I was not disappointed. This book was very well written. Rather than painting Abelard as an egotistical, condescending, self-absorbed brute as some writers have (I'm pointing a finger at the author of "Stealing Heaven"), this book portrays him in a more sympathetic light. In this book, he is more accurately depicted as a deep and insightful man. Helen Waddell builds on what we know about Abelard, rather than making a bunch of wild guesses. Her writing style, too, is vivid and eloquent. "Peter Abelard" is a must for anyone who is into the story of Heloise and Abelard or anyone who likes a good book. I highly recommend it.
(But whatever you do, DON'T blow your hard earned money by buying "Stealing Heaven") :)
Rating: 5
Summary: Enchanting fictional account of Abelard and Heloise.
Comment: I enjoyed Waddell's Peter Abelard. It's a book that requires multiple readings in order to appreciate Waddell's beautiful prose. It's obvious that Waddell (unlike say, Marion Meade) has a solid background in Latin, classical philosophy and 12th century Medieval Europe. But I found the novel's greatest flaw is its failure to convey the violently carnal passion between Abelard and Heloise. I was rather annoyed that Waddell avoided the seduction of Heloise by her use of changing narrative voice. Heloise comes across as bloodless, she never emerges from her sainthood to become the passionate woman of the Letters. But overall, the best account of the story of Abelard and Heloise out there. It's out of print in the US, but it's available for purchase in the UK - try amazon.uk.
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Title: The Wandering Scholars of the Middle Ages by Helen Waddell ISBN: 0486414361 Publisher: Dover Publications Pub. Date: 01 August, 2000 List Price(USD): $10.95 |
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Title: Letters of Abelard and Heloise, The by Peter Abelard, Betty Radice ISBN: 0140442979 Publisher: Penguin Books Pub. Date: 03 September, 1998 List Price(USD): $13.00 |
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Title: Heloise and Abelard by E. Gilson ISBN: 0472060384 Publisher: University of Michigan Press Pub. Date: 01 June, 1960 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
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