The Cistercian Order emerged as a radical breakaway movement at the end of the 11th century with a commitment to reforming the monastic life. Uniformity of customs and practice was sought through the institution whereby abbots from all over Christendom came together for the General Chapter at the mother-abbey of Citeaux. This, and the visitation of all the abbeys by the abbot of their founding house, ensured a degree of cohesion not equalled by any other body, not even the papacy itself. The Order subsequently became one of the most powerful spiritual, cultural and economic forces within medieval Europe, established in over 700 locations by the early 16th century. As a result, the Cistercians may be considered pioneers of the European ideal. This illustrated work tells the remarkable story of the Order through its art: illuminated manuscripts, paintings, stained glass, carvings and sculpture, gathered from throughout Europe. It reveals the Cistercians as one of the foremost unifying forces in Europe and offers a depiction of the simple beauty reflected by one of the most important spiritual movements in medieval Christendom. The Cistercian ideal which triumphed in the Middle Ages persists in modern times, 900 years after its foundation. This accessible study conveys the qualities of the Cistercian spiritual tradition and offers insights into the world of medieval monasticism. It should be useful to students of history and art.