The Letters of Abelard and Heloise

The story of Abelard and Heloise is renowned as one of the most legendary and romantic love stories of all time. Peter Abelard was a French philosopher, theologian, and preeminent logician of the 12th Century. Heloise was an intelligent and remarkable girl eighteen years his junior, who resided in the house of her uncle. Entering into the house as Heloise’s tutor, Abelard soon seduced the young girl. The secret affair was discovered by the girl’s uncle, followed quickly by a pregnancy, secret marriage, and the castration of Abelard. The pair retreated separately to a monastery and abbey, to live out the rest of their days in religious confinement. These letters are the best evidence of what transpired between the lovers after their separation, despite some speculation as to their true authorship. Powerfully written, these letters have resonated with readers for eight centuries as a standard of romantic love and devotion. This edition follows the first complete translation in English by C. K. Scott Moncrieff and includes the prefatory letter to George Moore and his response included in that publication.