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Book Review
Jan. 7th, 2013 05:21 pmHildegard of Bingen: The Woman of Her Age
by Fiona Maddocks
This biography of Hildegard of Bingen, twelfth-century abbess, mystic, and composer, was well-written but rather basic. It covers the events and aspects of Hildegard's life in a straightforward, but brief manner. There is a lot of good information, but little analysis, discussion, or insight about Hildegard or her work. Especially disappointing is the fact that her music gets barely half a chapter. Maddocks is good at providing context for her subject's circumstances and actions, nicely weaving in and showing the relevance of various political and ecclesiastical events of the time. On the other hand, Maddocks' occasional brief editorializing is generally not very successful.
Overall this book reads well and nicely covers Hildegard's life. However, it is more of an overview or introduction - I would have liked more discussion and analysis. It's a good start, but I wanted a lot more.
by Fiona Maddocks
This biography of Hildegard of Bingen, twelfth-century abbess, mystic, and composer, was well-written but rather basic. It covers the events and aspects of Hildegard's life in a straightforward, but brief manner. There is a lot of good information, but little analysis, discussion, or insight about Hildegard or her work. Especially disappointing is the fact that her music gets barely half a chapter. Maddocks is good at providing context for her subject's circumstances and actions, nicely weaving in and showing the relevance of various political and ecclesiastical events of the time. On the other hand, Maddocks' occasional brief editorializing is generally not very successful.
Overall this book reads well and nicely covers Hildegard's life. However, it is more of an overview or introduction - I would have liked more discussion and analysis. It's a good start, but I wanted a lot more.
