In 1215 a young cleric from Friaul composed the first great didactic poem in German on how to lead a life in the world pleasing to God. This work, which marks an important milestone in cultural history, is made available here in extracts for the first time to a wider audience. It provides an unparalleled entry into modes of thought and life in the High Middle Ages.

In 1215 a young cleric from Friaul composed the first great didactic poem in German on how to lead a life in the world pleasing to God. This work, which marks an important milestone in cultural history, is made available here in extracts for the first time to a wider audience. It provides an unparalleled entry into modes of thought and life in the High Middle Ages.

In 1215 a young cleric from Friaul composed the first great didactic poem in German on how to lead a life in the world pleasing to God. This work, which marks an important milestone in cultural history, is made available here in extracts for the first time to a wider audience. It provides an unparalleled entry into modes of thought and life in the High Middle Ages.