St Anselm (d. 1109) is the most interesting theologian and philosopher of his time and the subject of huge current interest. For example, his ontological argument for the existence of God and his view on redemption, which western Christendom has adopted as its dogma, have remained standard subjects of academic discussion ever since his own times. In many respects, Anselm’s career summarizes the key intellectual, religious and political developments of high medieval Europe. Anselm was an Italian who led a reformist monastic community in Normandy before his translation to become archbishop of Canterbury in England, where he was a dynamic representative of the new papal claims for the freedom of the Church from the control of lay rulers. His networks extended from England to Italy and from France to Germany, and his correspondents included ecclesiastical and secular rulers of the highest ranks, as well as monks and laymen of whom we know only their names.

The aim of this project, being undertaken by Dr Samu Niskanen, during his Newton International Fellowship, is to publish the first volume of a new critical edition of Saint Anselm’s letters.