Secrets of God: Writings of Hildegard of Bingen

Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) is one of the most remarkable figures of a remarkable age. She saw and interpreted visions of cosmic power and significance, yet took an active interest in nature, medicine, the arts, and the major political events of her day. Half of the book is excepts from Hildegard's three books of visions. Full-page color plates illustrate four of the visions. There are also selections from her writings on plants, animals, stones and metals, and on medicine. There are 22 pages of the words to songs. Hildegard wrote two lives of local saints, and both are sampled here. Fifteen of Hildegard's letters are given. Brief, informative headnotes introduce each section. A bibliography (up to date in 1996) and a discography of recodings of Hildegard's music complete this book. Flanagan's translations read well. Judging from the songs, the only part where I have the Latin original, they are faithful and not excessively interpretive. This book or Flangan's biography of Hildegard are certainly good places to begin a study of this extraordinary human being.