Peter Abelard

Born in 1079, died in 1142; had taught with marked success in Melun and Paris when, on being compelled to burn one of his books, he resumed preaching in an oratory built for him by his students; Abbot of St. Gildas from 1125 until 1134; condemned for heresy in 1140, but afterward reconciled to his accusers; represented the spirit of free inquiry in theology, but remembered now chiefly for his romance with Heloise.

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