This is a line-by-line exegesis of the entire Rule of Benedict , written originally in English. This full commentary, predominantly a literary and historical criticism, is based on and includes a new translation, and is accompanied by essays on Benedict’s spiritual doctrine. Father Kardong relates it to modern monastic life, while examining the sources (Cassian, Augustine and Basil) Benedict used to establish his Rule. Overviews, summaries of notes, source criticism or structural criticism follow some chapters, and a bibliography of the current scholarship and source references are also included. The book includes the Latin text of Regula Benedicti . This reference work should be useful for libraries, and to those who are called to interpret the Rule.