The Rule of St. Benedict / Benedict of Nursia

Translated with Introduction and Notes by Anthony C. Meisel and M.L. del Mastro.

From the time it was first promulgated in the sixth century The Rule of St. Benedict has been one of the most influential, enduring documents of Western civilization. Composed for the guidance of his own monks at Monte Cassino, St. Benedict's Rule has become the basis for the rules of practically every Christian monastic community in the West. This modern translation contains an in-depth introduction that explores the development of Christian monasticism; a biographical sketch of St. Benedict; the structure and implementation of his Rule; its value and impact on religious orders since the Middle Ages; its tremendous influence; and, finally, various texts of the Rule.