"John of Salisbury (1115/20-1180) has earned a considerable and well-deserved reputation as an original philosopher as well as a prominent commentator on the vast intellectual and cultural changes experienced by twelfth-century Europe. The first comprehensive examination of John's life and career in over fifty years, this study draws on the wealth of new texts and scholarship that have emerged during that period. Although introductory in nature, the study will also appeal to specialists in twelfth-century history and philosophy."--BOOK JACKET.