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Selected Works of Abbot Suger of Saint-Denis: Letters and Charters

by Abbot Suger of Saint-Denis
translated by Eric Whitmore, Richard C. Cusimano and Michael Bardot
Catholic University of America Press, 2025
Cloth: 978-0-8132-3995-8, eISBN: 978-0-8132-3996-5

ABOUT THIS BOOK
Abbot Suger of Saint-Denis was a pivotal figure in 12th-century France, leaving a lasting impact through his multifaceted foles. His dedication to his abbey of Saint-Denis, wise counsel to kings, mediation of church disputes, and involvement in the Crusades solidify his legacy. His letters and charters offer invaluable insights into the political, religious, and economic landscape of the era, particularly during the Capetian dynasty's formative years. Suger's letters, often addressed to powerful figures, reveal his adept political maneuvering. They document his efforts to consolidate royal authority, maintain peace, and defend the abbey's interests. These writings illuminate medieval diplomacy and the Church's influence on secular affairs. Suger served as a trusted advisor to Kings Louis VI and Louis VII, even acting as regent during the latter's absence on the Second Crusade. He skillfully resolved conflicts among ecclesiastical figures, bolstering royal authority and promoting church unity. Suger's charters meticulously detail the abbey's landholdings, privileges, and administrative practices, reflecting his commitment to restoring its wealth and prestige and protecting the abbey's lands from encroachment. These documents also provide crucial information about the economic and social conditions of 12th-century France, a pivotal period in the development of the French monarchy.
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Richard Cusimano (1939–2024) was professor emeritus at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Eric Whitmore is a retired adjunct professor of history at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Michael Bardot is professor of history at Maryville University.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
List of Illustrations
Preface
List of Abbreviations
Biblical Citations
Latin Dictionaries and References Used in the Translation
The Letters and Charters of Abbot Suger of Saint-Denis
Section 1
1. The Letters of Suger
2. The Letters Addressed to Suger
3. The Charters of Suger
4. Charters Associated with Suger
Section 2
5. A Charter of Louis VI
6. A Charter of Louis VII
7. Letter of Bernard of Clairvaux to Pope Eugenius III
8. The Epitaph of Suger by Simon Chèvre-d’Or
9. Concerning the Nobility of Lord Abbot Suger And His Works
10. Verses in Praise of Abbot Suger
11. A Chronology of Suger’s Life and His Obituary
Addenda
List of Signatories in the Charters of Suger
Terms of Measurement and Money in the Works of Suger
Glossary of Medieval Terms in the Works of Suger
Glossary of Medieval Latin Words in the Works of Suger
Glossary of Latin Place Names in the Works of Suger
Illustrations
Selected Bibliography
Index

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