One of the first autobiographies in medieval Western Europe, this Latin letter offers an extensive self-analysis of the pioneering scholastic philosopher's first fifty-four years. Abelard chronicles his sense of persecution by peers while reflecting on women, learning, monastic life, and the relationship between Church and State. Throughout, he draws parallels between his struggles and those of saints, apostles, and even Christ himself.

Peter Abelard (1079 - 21 April 1142) was a preeminent French scholastic philosopher, theologian, logician, and poet. Renowned as one of the most brilliant and controversial intellects of the 12th century, he is widely regarded as the founder of nominalism and a pioneer in using strict rational dialectics within Christian theology.