St Benedict's Rule distils the genius of the saint into 73 chapters, a mere 87 pages in this edition, showing both his discretion in dealing with all kinds of souls in all stages of spiritual development, as well as his great zeal and love for God. He goes into considerable detail at times, while always preserving a spirit of freedom and a freedom of spirit, always leaving his ideal flexible enough to be adapted when and where it is needed. This flexibility, combined with his careful foresight and prudence, is undoubtedly a major reason for the Rule's continued vitality over 1450 years.

St Benedict (c.480-647) was born in Nursia, Italy.