Letters of Abelard and Heloise

The famous correspondences of the philosopher and scholar Peter Abelard and the Catholic nun Heloise are eloquent and shocking - their forbidden relationship serves as both a drama and history of Medieval society.

Writing in the early 12th century, Abelard and Heloise first met when both were young. Attracted to one another almost immediately, the two struck up a relationship which blossomed when Abelard convinced Heloise's uncle, Fulbert, to allow him residence in exchange for free tutorship of the young Heloise. Their romance, illicit because they were not a consummated, married couple, continued until Heloise became pregnant with Abelard's child.

The subsequent drama which ensued damaged Fulbert's reputation - as a respected canon in Parisian society, he was deeply angered by the pair's affinity. Eventually the two, feeling pressured by Fulbert's anger and the social stigma of the time, agreed to marry in a secret ceremony.