In the middle of the 12th century, there was a woman, Hildegard of Bingen, who for three decades was like a magnet drawing people to herself. Once again in our day, we are rediscovering this holy woman. Although she belongs to her own historical period, nonetheless because of the profundity of her thoughts, feelings and viewpoints she continues to interest us. Also, the herbal and other cures of this first woman doctor are gaining renewed interest and appreciation in today's medical community. This biography by the 12th-century Bendictine monks, Gottfried and Theodoric (Vita Sanctae Hildegardis Auctoribus Godefrido et Theodorico Monachis) introduces readers to this extraordinary theologian, philosopher, doctor, writer and mystic. As the Vita was not originally conceived as a biography, a brief explanation of its origins and scope is provided. This present book also includes four letters (correspondence to and from Hildegard from Abbot Bernard of Clairvaux and Pope Eugene II), a chronology of the life and achievements of Hildegard and a bibliography of books by and about Hildegard.