This is the first modern study of Heloise in all of her personal and historical contexts. Mary Martin McLaughlin looks at her medieval and modern fame and makes a cogent argument for the authenticity of her correspondence with Abelard. She gives full attention to her early years, her affair with Abelard, and their marriage with its tragic outcome. She looks at her achievements as abbess of the Paraclete, her fruitful collaboration with Abelard, and the unique body of works this produced. McLaughlin also looks carefully at the importance of the Paraclete itself and determines its place in the innovative intellectual and religious movements of the 12th century.