The Theology of Hugh of St. Victor

In the context of the early twelfth-century urbanization of Paris, Hugh of St Victor developed a pioneering program of intellectual and moral practices focused on reforming the soul. Boyd Taylor Coolman identifies the signature theme of spiritual re-formation as the unifying motif to Hugh's theology and analyzes the symbolic and aesthetic dimensions of re-formation conceived as 'soul-construction', in the manner of Gothic cathedrals being built at the time. This study places Hugh of St Victor within the context of the profound economic, political and cultural changes characteristic of the twelfth century. Drawing on the majority of Hugh's writings, it reveals links between various aspects of his theology - exegesis and spirituality; theology and cultivation of virtue - and highlights the practical nature of his reforming program, aimed both at restoring the beauty of the soul and re-forming the human person into a dwelling place for the presence of God.

• Demonstrates the highly-integrated nature of Victorine theology, which attends simultaneously to the scientific and the spiritual
• Sheds light on the under-studied yet influential theological discussion emanating from the early twelfth century, including Peter Abelard, Bernard of Clairvaux and William of Saint Thierry
• Shows Hugh's concerns with intellectual and moral practices and 'theological formation'