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Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite
If you’re a fan of medieval history in general, monastic history in particular, or all things Irish, A Monastic Landscape: The Cistercians In Medieval Ireland by Dr. Breda Lynch is for you. Beginning with an overview of the early church and the spread of Christianity to Ireland, Dr. Lynch presents the topic from the founding of the first monasteries in the twelfth century as part of a reform of monasticism, to their dissolution in the sixteenth century as part of the English Reformation. The author's twofold purpose is to provide a starting point for the study of the Cistercian Order in medieval Ireland and to make it accessible to all. Ample endnotes, a bibliography, and index sections, as well as a glossary and numerous photographs, maps, tables, and illustrations, will easily satisfy every reader.
In A Monastic Landscape: The Cistercians In Medieval Ireland, Dr. Breda Lynch presents a treatment of the topic that is both sweeping in historical context and impressively detailed in content, especially with regard to the monastic estates and their management. The narrative is well-written, descriptive, understandable to the layman, and well-organized by topic. What impressed me the most is Dr. Lynch’s ability to clearly describe the characteristics of the daily management of these estates as well as their impact on the communities around them and the early Irish church. Along the way, she dispels a misconception or two about monastic life in general. The Cistercian order minus its monasteries remained active in Ireland into the seventeenth century. An interesting read on a fascinating topic.
