Aelred of Rievaulx, a twelfth-century courtier who became a Cistercian monk, was one of the most generous thinkers of the history of Christianity. Chakravarty's well-researched exploration of Aelred's life and thought reveals the extent of his influence to our own time. For readers familiar with the religious and secular intolerance of Aelred's time, his gentle appreciation of friendship will come as a happy surprise. Although he may have been the most atypical man of his time, Aelred's authorship and example demonstrate the generosity of his spirit in the midst of harsh conflict.