Abstract
This paper examines friendship in the correspondence of Alcuin of York in the broader context of the development of concepts of friendship in the Latin West. The fundamental dimensions of friendship in Alcuin's work are identified, as well as the relationship between them.
These are therefore particularly the spiritual, philosophical-ethical and political dimensions. In addition, elements of the author's own emotionality can be perceived in Alcuin's correspondence.
The sources of Alcuin's conception of friendship are to be sought primarily in the patristic tradition.