Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Abélard, Pierre

For works with similar titles, see Pierre Abelard.

ABÉLARD, PIERRE (ä-bā-lär′), a French scholastic philosopher and theologian, born near Nantes, 1079. Lecturing on theology, he attracted students from all parts of Europe. Several of his disciples afterward became famous; for example, Pope Celestin II., Peter Lombard, Berengarius, and Arnold of Brescia. The story of his romantic and tragic love for Héloïse is told in his "Story of My Misfortunes," in her first "Letter" to him on receipt of the "Story," and in the two "Letters" from her that followed. The poets have taken the loves of this unfortunate pair as the theme of their elegies in every age since the death of the lovers. He died April 21, 1142.