Henry Suso
Male·January 23·Germany·13th century
Henry Suso was a German Dominican friar and a prominent vernacular writer of the fourteenth century, known for his mystical theology and defense of Meister Eckhart. He adopted the name Amandus and is celebrated for his profound spiritual writings, which significantly influenced medieval devotional literature.
Key Facts
- ›Henry Suso was born Heinrich von Berg on March 21, 1295, in Überlingen or Constance, Germany.
- ›He joined the Dominican Order at thirteen and later adopted his mother's family name, Sus, out of humility.
- ›Suso experienced a profound conversion to religious life, dedicating himself to "Eternal Wisdom" and identifying with Christ.
- ›He studied in Strasbourg and Cologne, where he likely encountered mystics Meister Eckhart and Johannes Tauler.
- ›Suso defended Meister Eckhart's teachings in his 'Little Book of Truth' after Eckhart was condemned for heresy.
- ›His writings, particularly 'the Little Book of Eternal Wisdom' and its Latin translation 'Clock of Wisdom,' were widely popular and influential.
Major Works
- Little Book of Truth (Büchlein der Wahrheit)
- The Little Book of Eternal Wisdom (Das Büchlein der ewigen Weisheit)
- Clock of Wisdom (Horologium Sapientiae)
- The Exemplar
- Great Book of Letters (Grosses Briefbuch)
- Little Book of Letters (Briefbüchlein)
Amandus, Heinrich Seuse, Heinrich von Berg
About Henry Suso
Henry Suso, OP (c. 1295–1366)
Henry Suso, born Heinrich von Berg, was a German Dominican friar and a remarkably influential writer of the fourteenth century. His writings, particularly those in Middle High German, were widely disseminated, making him one of the most popular vernacular authors of his time. Suso is also recognized for his defense of the theological legacy of Meister Eckhart, a prominent mystic whose teachings faced posthumous condemnation.
Life and Spiritual Journey
Born in Überlingen or Constance, Germany, Suso entered the Dominican Order at the young age of thirteen. A pivotal moment in his spiritual development occurred around the age of eighteen, when he experienced a profound conversion and dedicated himself to the concept of "Eternal Wisdom," which he equated with divine essence and Christ. He adopted the name Amandus in his writings to signify this devotion. This intense focus on Eternal Wisdom shaped his entire spiritual life and writings, culminating in a mystical union.
Scholarly and Writing Career
Suso pursued theological studies in Strasbourg and Cologne, where he likely encountered other significant mystics like Meister Eckhart and Johannes Tauler. His own theological writings, however, drew criticism, especially after Eckhart's condemnation. Suso's "Little Book of Truth" was an attempt to defend Eckhart's views. His most celebrated work is "The Little Book of Eternal Wisdom" (Das Büchlein der ewigen Weisheit), written around 1328–1330. He later translated and significantly expanded this into the Latin "Horologium Sapientiae" (Clock of Wisdom), which achieved even greater popularity. These works, along with his letters and other treatises, were compiled into "The Exemplar" later in his life.
Influence and Legacy
Suso's writings were characterized by their passionate expression of divine love and mystical experience, often employing imagery drawn from courtly romance. His prose was noted for its skill and its contribution to the development of good German prose. The popularity of his works, particularly "The Clock of Wisdom," rivaled that of the "Imitation of Christ" in the late Middle Ages. He was beatified in 1831 by Pope Gregory XVI, and his feast day is observed by the Dominican Order. The Christmas song "In dulci jubilo" is also attributed to him.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Henry Suso born?
Henry Suso was born in 1295, likely in either Überlingen or Constance, Germany. He was born into the ruling family of Berg.
What was Henry Suso's religious background?
Suso was a German Dominican friar. He entered the novitiate of the Dominican Order at the age of thirteen and remained a member throughout his life.
What were Henry Suso's most significant writings?
His most influential works include 'The Little Book of Eternal Wisdom,' which was also translated into Latin as 'Clock of Wisdom,' and 'The Little Book of Truth,' a defense of Meister Eckhart's teachings. These works were widely read and translated.
Why is Henry Suso considered important in fourteenth-century literature?
Suso was the most popular vernacular writer of the fourteenth century, based on the number of surviving manuscripts of his works. He wrote in both Latin and Middle High German, contributing significantly to spiritual and devotional literature.
What is the significance of "Eternal Wisdom" in Suso's writings?
Following a profound spiritual experience, Suso dedicated himself to "Eternal Wisdom," which he identified with the divine essence and Christ. This devotion became a central theme in his spiritual life and writings.
When was Henry Suso beatified and by whom?
Henry Suso was beatified in 1831 by Pope Gregory XVI. His feast day is now celebrated by the Dominicans on January 23.
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