The nine essays in this collection, selected from La théologie au douzième siècle, inquire into the historical context and origins of medieval scholasticism. They are representative of Chenu's finest work.

'If Père Chenu considers "history of theology" to be the central concern of this collection, it is because he conceives of theology as an all-encompassing science, one which reflects the comprehensive unity of intellectual life as that develops within a culture. Literary history and criticism, cultural history, philosophy, biblical exegesis, historiography, ecclesiastical and social history, the history of education-all these and more are here involved, in their interdependence.' -- From the Translators' Note

First published as La théologie au douzième siècle by J. Vinn, 1957. English translation published by University of Chicago Press, 1968