Hildegard of Bingen's Unknown Language

" For the first time, Hildegard' s Lingua ignota is put in a strictly historical context, which runs up to the present time. The content of the 1012 words of the Lingua ignota is based on the ' Summarium Heinrici' , a medieval encyclopedia, which stands in the tradition of the Etymologies of Isidor of Sevilla. In this work, all the visible and non-visible reality is described and brought into a hierarchical order. The tendency is ' reification' , describing realities, not transcendence, mythical speech or quietness. With great accuracy and theoretical positioning, Higley' s book makes a strong contribution to the study of Hildegaard and language creation. " - Michael Embach, Professor at the University of Trier and Director of the City Library of Trier; Author of Die Schriften Hildegards von Bingen (2003)

" Hildegard s Unknown Language of more than one thousand invented words has both intrigued and puzzled modern scholars since the mid-nineteenth century. Higley s book provides by far the best edition of this language along with its Latin and German glosses, as well as a complete annotated English translation. Setting it within the context of invented languages, past and present, Higley corrects numerous misconceptions about Hildegard s most mysterious creation and draws fascinating parallels to today s invented languages, especially those by women. This is a unique achievement and a must-have book for anyone interested in Hildegard. " - Honey Meconi, Professor of Musicology, Eastman School of Music; Author of Hildegard of Bingen (forthcoming)