This work examines the differences between the monastic formation and education of men and women in Western Europe from the eighth to the 16th century. The use of music and physical training is addressed as well as attitudes towards education and actual educational theories.

The changing face of tradition - monastic education in the Middle Ages, George Ferzoco; training for the liturgy as a form of monastic education, Susan Boynton; besides the book - using the body to mould the mind, Cluny in the 10th and 11th abbey, Isabelle Cochelin; a medieval novice's formation - reflection on a 15th century manuscript at Downside Abbey, Aiden Bellenger; the scope of learning within the cloisters of the English cathedral priories in the later Middle Ages, Joan Greatrex; university monks in late medieval England, James G. Clark; Hildegard of Bingen's teaching in her "Expositiones Evangeliorm" and "Ordo Virtutum", Beverly Mayne Kienzle; learning and mentoring in the 12th century - Hildegard of Bingen and Herrand of Landsberg, Carolyn Messing; educating Heliose, W.G. East; the role of images in monastic education - the evidence from wall painting in late medieval England, Miriam Gill; ghostly mentor, teaching of mysteries -Bartholomew, Guthlac and the Apostle's cult in early medieval England, Graham Jones; "life, learning and wisdom" - the forms and functions of beguine education, Penelope Galloway; Franciscan educational perspectives - reworking monastic traditions, Bert Roest; monastic educational culture revisited - the witness of Zwiefalten and the Hirsau reform, Constant Mews.