Anselm of Aosta (1033-1109), monk and abbot at the Abbey of Bec, later Archbishop of Canterbury, is one of the formative thinkers of medieval philosophy and theology. In an era where human reason claims its own significance alongside authority for the justification of faith, Anselm seeks to gain "insight into faith" (intellectus fidei) by attempting to demonstrate the truth of central tenets of faith "solely by reason" (sola ratione) and "with necessary reasons" (rationibus necessariis). The "ontological" proof of God, as well as his theory of satisfaction, have had a wide-ranging impact extending into modern times and have captured the interest of contemporary philosophy and systematic theology. This introduction to Anselm's life, work, and thought aims to provide "access" to his ideas.