This book presents in one volume the full range of biographical sources of the outstanding female religious figure of twelfth-century Germany, Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179). In addition it gives the English reading public the first in-depth view of Hildegard's spiritual mother, Jutta of Disibodenberg (1092-1136).

Most documents appear in translation for the first time. In particular, the Life of Jutta, which Hildegard herself instigated as a memorial to her spiritual mother, is a major source, recently discovered, that sheds new light on the early life of Hildegard. In addition to her accurate and sensitive translations, Silvas provides a detailed apparatus of up-to-date introductions, notes, and appendices.