The Language and Logic of the Bible

Learning in the Middle Ages had the purpose of making it possible to understand the Bible better. This study looks at the assumptions within which Western Bible students from Augustine through the 12th century approached their reading and developed more refined critical methods.

'Many people will certainly be delighted, as I was, to read such clever and sympathetic pages about Rupert of Deutz, Abelard, Peter of Chanter, and of course (as Dr Evans is one of his most affectionate scholars) Anselm of Canterbury.' New Blackfrairs 'The presuppositions, methods and habits of Latin writers of the eleventh and twelfth centuries are learnedly examined and lucidly expounded, with a glance back to Augustine and Gregory ... The interplay of philosophy and tradition with sacred text makes fascinating reading.' Society for Old Testament Study Booklist 'Constant allusions to particular persons at concrete moments keep the narrative down to earth and unremote ... individuals are not subsumed beneath grand general categories ... The story is rather traced honestly, receptively, and flexibly from the works, practices, and life-histories of recognizable persons.' Journal of Theological Studies