Historia Calamitatum: The Story of My Misfortunes
by Peter Abelard
Summary
In his touching
autobiography, heralded philosopher and theologian Peter
Abelard reveals the most intimate details of his life
marred by betrayal and persecution. Abelard tells of a
philosophical rivalry with his dear friend and teacher,
William de Champeaux, which tragically ended their close
relationship. He tells of his deep romantic love with his
student Heloise, and of how their romance enraged
Heloise's uncle, who later inflicted upon Abelard the
cruelest physical torture. Abelard tells of how he
abandoned philosophy in hopes of finding solace in the
monastery, where he was only further slandered by his
peers for his progressive theology. At the close of his
autobiography, Abelard shares the words of the Apostle
Paul, by which Abelard found solace during his troubled
life: "I do not seek to please men. For I yet pleased men, I should not
be the servant of Christ" (Gal. 1:10). Abelard tells of his persecution
in hopes that his readers will be able to bear their own persecution
with as much strength and dignity as he did.
Emmalon Davis
CCEL Staff Writer
Emmalon Davis
CCEL Staff Writer
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