Fundamental Writings

You are in possession of what is to date, the greatest collection of Hugh of St. Victor, who is the author of the works translated collectively in this book. Hugh was most likely born in the year of 1096 in Scotland others contend Saxony, where he received his first education in a monastic school. From there he moved to Paris, the largest center for studies in Europe of his time, while there, entered the monastery of St. Victor. In 1125, he became a professor in the monastery, in 1133, director of the attached school, in time becoming the prior. He dies in St. Victor on February 11, 1141. Many contend that he was one of the greatest theologians of the era, followed by Thomas Aquinas, Bonaventure, and Peter Lombard, who were likewise professors of theology. The school of St. Victor, founded by William of Champeaux, has its origin in Paris, at the end of the eleventh century, annexed to the abbey of St. Victor, which in the following century, would play a role of high of importance in the spiritual and cultural events in Europe. Hugh of St. Victor attached himself, in a way very similar to what in the next century of St. Thomas Aquinas would to the early history of the Dominican order.