The Motley Crew: Monastic Lives
In an intriguing, informative and at times an amusing text, Tvedten regales the reader with a brief portrayal of Benedictine monasticism as depicted in the lives and unique contributions of the ‘motley crew’ of various Benedictine men and women throughout history. The brief consecutive chapters provide some interesting little-known facts and insights into the lives of certain monastic ‘mavericks’, who established and/or reformed monastic life throughout the ages. The text presents a brief and interesting history of the ups and downs, the dying and the resurrections of Benedictine life throughout the centuries. The major emphasis is on the unique roles and contributions of individuals and groups whose visions and energies enriched civilizations by the preservation and continued growth of Benedictine ideals and way of life throughout history.