2005 Launch of Abelard and Heloise - Institute for Public History
Book launch with love by alumnus Catherine Tate
I was pleasantly surprised to receive the first volume of the School of Historical Studies newsletter last April. I was very pleased that the School was extending invitations to the Alumni to attend special events.
As a mature aged undergraduate, I studied Medieval and Renaissance History with Dr Constant Mews. I enjoyed the course very much so it was with pleasure that I accepted the invitation to attend the launch of his latest book, Abelard and Heloise, an area for which Constant is considered a world authority. In fact this book published by Oxford University Press is one of the Great Medieval Thinkers series.
After drinks and nibbles, guests were ushered into the Auditorium where Dr John Ward proceeded to launch the book with much admiration and praise for the book and its author. Constants reply speech expressed his views on love and the importance of an interdisciplinary approach.
Guests were then treated to readings of the letters of these two famous star-crossed lovers: Constant reading those of Abelard and his wife Maryna reading those of Heloise. The readings were interspersed by the beautiful haunting refrain of Peter Abelards 12th-century lament, Dolorum Solatium, performed by the Jouissance members: Nick Tsiavos on double bass accompanying Deborah Kayser singing the lament in Latin. The Latin Text with English subtitles were projected onto the screen for the audience to follow. Whilst the music touched the soul, the letters of love touched the heart - indeed it was a special occasion.
Guests then returned to the Foyer for more drinks, good food and good conversation with the 'Great Thinkers' of Monash - past and present.
Congratulations to Constant on the success of this long awaited book and thank you and the Monash School of Historical Studies for a stimulating and enjoyable evening.
Catherine Tate returned to study as a mature-age student and graduated from Monash with a BA in 1994. She continued her studies in 1996 at Melbourne University Faculty of Architecture undertaking a Post grad Dip in Architectural Design and Planning - History and Conversation. After this, she commenced a Masters Degree by Research in 2000 in Architectural History her thesis topic, 'Sir Arthur Stephenson Machines for Healing'. Catherine is the director of Aestheticism Pty Ltd, which specializes in heritage projects.
Photos from the Launch of Abelard and Heloise, April 21, 2005
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