<p><strong>This book introduces us to St Bernard of Clairvaux through the lens of friendship. Close reading of Bernard¿s writings, not least of his letters, brings out the humanity of the saint and reveals the role of human friendship in his life. The author shows how similar are the experiences of this twelfth-century monk, with his needs and joys, hopes and feelings of inadequacy, to our own experiences of relationship in our present world with its pressures and social media.</strong><em><br>Liz Carmichael, Emeritus Research Fellow, St John¿s College, Oxford</em></p><p>This fascinating and intimate portrayal of Bernard will inspire anyone wishing to explore the essential place of spiritual friendships in forming true disciples of Christ.<em><br>Nick Swanson, Baptist Union Church Minister; Spiritual Direction trainer, Launde Abbey Team; IPCS Pastoral Supervision tutor</em></p><p>Jennifer Campbell¿s brilliance in the book is how she has curated original material from the letters and re