[1] The commentary contains his theories on aesthetics,[2] and is dedicated to Pons, Bishop of Clermont (in office 1170-1189), formerly Abbot of Clairvaux.
Thomas's commentary was printed five times between 1521 and 1853, demonstrating its enduring popularity due to its modern style and rich content.
[4] Its style is characterised by a meticulous organisation into parts (distinctiones) and sub-parts, while its content offers a vast range of theological, moral, spiritual, mystical, ecclesiological, mariological and liturgical interpretations, drawn from a multitude of sources.
Firstly, it illustrates the impressive diversity of knowledge available in a twelfth-century Cistercian cloister.
Finally, the book is not aimed at the most advanced adepts of the spiritual path, but rather at ordinary members of a Cistercian monastic community who are aware of their ordinary status, but who nevertheless seek to rise from the earthly to the divine vision.