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A Monk's Confession: The Memoirs of Guibert of Nogent
A Monk's Confession is the first completely new English translation of Guibert of Nogent's remarkable memoirs in over seventy years. Written around the year 1115, they offer an unparalleled look at the life of a monk in the Middle Ages. Guibert, who lived his entire life in northern France, called these memoirs his book of monodiae, or solitary songs. Many scholars consider them the first Latin autobiography in the West after Augustine's Confessions.
Readers will be stirred and surprised by Guibert's intense preoccupation with the sinfulness of his soul, his visions of demons and necromancy, and his frank struggle to come to terms with his sexuality. But Guibert is also a valuable witness to his age. In addition to his personal history, his memoirs give a brief chronicle of the abbey of Nogent where he served as abbot for some twenty years and a vivid account of the bloody uprising of the Laon Commune in 1112. His observations give precious insight into education, monastic life, and the beginnings of the great medieval towns.
Paul J. Archambault's translation successfully renders Guibert's Latin at times stylish, at times rustic into lively, modern English. He consulted Edmond-Rene Labande's authoritative 1981 Latin edition with French translation. He provides a complete introduction and annotation that help situate Guibert within the history and literature of the Middle Ages while permitting readers to judge for themselves how to interpret this fascinating voice from the past."
Readers will be stirred and surprised by Guibert's intense preoccupation with the sinfulness of his soul, his visions of demons and necromancy, and his frank struggle to come to terms with his sexuality. But Guibert is also a valuable witness to his age. In addition to his personal history, his memoirs give a brief chronicle of the abbey of Nogent where he served as abbot for some twenty years and a vivid account of the bloody uprising of the Laon Commune in 1112. His observations give precious insight into education, monastic life, and the beginnings of the great medieval towns.
Paul J. Archambault's translation successfully renders Guibert's Latin at times stylish, at times rustic into lively, modern English. He consulted Edmond-Rene Labande's authoritative 1981 Latin edition with French translation. He provides a complete introduction and annotation that help situate Guibert within the history and literature of the Middle Ages while permitting readers to judge for themselves how to interpret this fascinating voice from the past."
270 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1115
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 21, 2017
I expected this to be more of an autobiography and an expression of individualism, but mostly it was his memoirs showing God, Mary, and all the saints in their glory and might. Some of the stories reminded me of pure gossip and superstition. One can imagine monks huddled up together speaking in hushed tones about what happened to so-and-so. The most interesting part of the work, however, was the relating of the uprising of the Laon Commune. It explained how the people gruesomely revolted against abuse, even if it was against members of the Church. Altogether, a good read.
December 9, 2024
In my research I often wish for personal writings from the monks I study. Something comparable to this memoir by Guibert would be dream come true.
Guibert's discussion of his life, contemporary events, and the deeds of saints is compelling.
Guibert's discussion of his life, contemporary events, and the deeds of saints is compelling.
March 6, 2021
Those medieval texts are fascinating for what they reveal, both about life then and about the very idea of autobiography, and therefore about the idea of self.
It's not a bundle of laughs exactly, even if Nogent has some St Augustine-like self-deprecating lines, but if you get into it, the picture that emerges (of power, of belief, of subjection, of vision) is very interesting indeed.
Ultimately, the most interesting aspect of what autobiographies were then: not a way to self-analyse and reveal things about oneself, but as a path to the glory of God and as illustrations of sins/precepts etc. One talks about oneself only in order to worship.
How autobiographies have changed! - but more to the point: how the conception of the self has changed!
It's not a bundle of laughs exactly, even if Nogent has some St Augustine-like self-deprecating lines, but if you get into it, the picture that emerges (of power, of belief, of subjection, of vision) is very interesting indeed.
Ultimately, the most interesting aspect of what autobiographies were then: not a way to self-analyse and reveal things about oneself, but as a path to the glory of God and as illustrations of sins/precepts etc. One talks about oneself only in order to worship.
How autobiographies have changed! - but more to the point: how the conception of the self has changed!
March 28, 2025
An incredibly insightful account for modern readers, allowing us to understand a degree of medieval psychology. Guibert presents an interesting case of being one of the first pieces of autobiographical writing in the Western world, following patterns learnt by St. Augustine in the 4th century.
Lots of interesting analysis can be done on the contents of this book. Although very heavy on religion, Guibert wove in many detailed and intimate aspects about his life, relationships and connection to the world around him. It has been particularly insightful to read about his relationship with his mother. Without going too in depth about possible interpretations and broader historiography on this book, it was a genuinely interesting read. Would definitely recommend.
Lots of interesting analysis can be done on the contents of this book. Although very heavy on religion, Guibert wove in many detailed and intimate aspects about his life, relationships and connection to the world around him. It has been particularly insightful to read about his relationship with his mother. Without going too in depth about possible interpretations and broader historiography on this book, it was a genuinely interesting read. Would definitely recommend.
March 2, 2018
Need to verify this is the translation/edition I read way back when.
October 4, 2020
A new translation of a rare autobiography from the middle ages. This brilliant translation brings one into the mind of a man who lived almost 1,000 years ago in medieval France.
July 15, 2008
Guibert's twelfth century autobiography is a beautiful contrast to comparable texts like Peter Abelard's Historia Calamitatum and the letters of Abelard and Heloise. His complicated psychology and his first hand accounts of life in 12th century France make him invaluable in understanding the mental, spiritual, political and social world of the High Middle Ages.
August 13, 2009
Required reading for any Medieval history fanboy/girl
August 1, 2010
Book 1 - awful, skip to Book 2, monkinsh anecdotes. Book 3 is the real prime meat of the book, an account of the uprising of Laon and the resulting anarchy.
February 10, 2013
Medieval Christianity? Eh. A monk's commentary on life? Okay, somewhat interesting.
July 31, 2013
Boring at first and full of adoration of Mary, but gets more interesting, though rife with superstition, in the latter third. Was enjoyable peering through the eyes of a middle ager though.
January 26, 2008
First-hand account from writings of a medieval churchman.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews