The Cambridge Companion to Anselm - Scholarly Guide to Medieval

In this review of The Cambridge Companion to Anselm, readers get a clear sense of why this collection matters for anyone studying medieval philosophy and theology. Edited by Brian Davies and Brian Leftow, the volume gathers essays that map Anselm of Canterbury's major positions on faith and reason, God's existence and nature, logic, freedom, truth, ethics, and Christian doctrine. The bottom line: this is a focused, academically rigorous companion suited to graduate students, instructors, and informed readers seeking a comprehensive guide to Anselm rather than an introductory survey for casual readers.

Key Features

• Comprehensive essay coverage: Chapters examine Anselm's major ideas so readers can follow his thought across topics such as faith and reason and the existence of God.
• Focus on primary influences: The book explores the life and sources of Anselm's thought, helping contextualize his arguments within the Benedictine tradition and medieval Latin learning.
• Theological and philosophical balance: Contributors treat both doctrinal themes and technical philosophy, making the volume useful for theology and philosophy courses alike.
• Scholarly synthesis: Essays summarize debates about Anselm's influence on later thinkers, which benefits researchers tracing intellectual reception.
• Editors with expertise: Editorial oversight by Brian Davies and Brian Leftow gives the collection coherence and academic credibility for classroom use.

Who It's For

This Companion is best for graduate students, university instructors, and serious independent readers who already have some background in medieval thought or philosophy of religion and want a focused, scholarly assessment of Anselm's work.

Those seeking a lightweight introduction or a tutorial for beginners should look elsewhere; readers new to medieval philosophy may prefer a general introductory text before tackling this collection.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Wide-ranging essays provide a clear roadmap through Anselm's main doctrines and arguments.
• Balanced attention to both philosophical issues and theological doctrine enhances cross-disciplinary use.
• Useful for course reading lists and for researchers tracing Anselm's influence on later thinkers.

Cons

• Scholarly tone and depth make it less suitable as a first introduction for casual readers.

Specifications

Title	The Cambridge Companion to Anselm
Series	Cambridge Companions to Philosophy
Editors	Brian Davies, Brian Leftow
Subject	Anselm of Canterbury; medieval philosophy and theology
Coverage	Faith and reason, God's existence, logic, freedom, truth, ethics, Christian doctrine
Approach	Essay collection; scholarly commentary and synthesis

Our Verdict

The Cambridge Companion to Anselm is a well-curated academic collection that rewards readers who need a sustained, scholarly examination of Anselm's ideas. Instructors and graduate students will find it good value for its clear essays and balanced coverage of doctrine and philosophy; casual readers should start with a more introductory text before using this as a main resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this volume cover Anselm's ontological argument?
The collection includes discussion of Anselm's arguments for God's existence, including treatments of the ontological argument within broader contexts.

Is this book suitable for undergraduate courses?
Yes for upper-level undergraduates in philosophy or theology, though instructors may supplement with introductory material for less advanced students.

Does it address Anselm's historical influence?
Yes; several essays examine the sources of Anselm's thought and his influence on later medieval and philosophical writers.