HERMAN DE VALENCIENNES

flourished 12th century French poet known for a scriptural poem that was very popular in his time. Born at Valenciennes, he became a priest and wrote the Histoire de la Bible (after 1189), including the Old and New Testaments in an abridged form, and a separate poem on the Assumption of the Virgin. The work is known as Le Roman de sapience ("The Story of Wisdom"). He selected biblical stories to suit his purpose and added freely from legendary sources, displaying skill in the use of his materials.