She was a Benedictine abbess, artist, composer, dietitian, naturalist, poet, traveling preacher, mystic, and political consultant.

Meet the incomparable St. Hildegard of Bingen, recently proclaimed a Doctor of the Church. Nourishing, challenging, and idea-bursting, her writings will stir and awaken your soul. This essential reader captures the vibrant spirit and intelligence of Hildegard with selections from her songs, theological texts, liturgical music, and letters. Combined with an introduction to St. Hildegard's life and era, a map of her Germany, a chronology of her life, and a thorough bibliography/discography, this book is the ideal doorway into this fascinating medieval mystic.--From publisher description.