Portrait of Hermann of Reichenau

Hermann of Reichenau

German 11th-century Benedictine monk

Lived
1013–1054
Country
Holy Roman Empire

Updated September 2026

About Hermann of Reichenau

Blessed Hermann of Reichenau or Herman the Cripple, also known by other names, was a German Benedictine monk and scholar. He composed works on history, music theory, mathematics, and astronomy, as well as many hymns. He has traditionally been credited with the composition of "Salve Regina", "Veni Sancte Spiritus", and "Alma Redemptoris Mater", although these attributions are sometimes questioned. His cultus and beatification were confirmed by the Roman Catholic Church in 1863. His feast day is September 25.

Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Authors like Hermann of Reichenau

Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers. Last updated September 2026.