The Monks of the West is a sweeping and magisterial history of monasticism in the Christian West, written by the Comte de Montalembert. Spanning from the early days of St. Benedict through to the emergence of the Cistercian order under St. Bernard, this book is a comprehensive and insightful guide to the history of monasticism, its impact on Western culture, and its continuing relevance today. With its vivid portraits, engaging prose, and deep...