The One Thomas More
Published on 31. August 2013
Book
Paperback/Softback
240 pages
978-0-8132-2186-1 (ISBN)
Description
Thomas More"" the humanist. ""Sir Thomas More"" the statesman. ""Saint Thomas More"" the martyr. Who was Thomas More? Which characterization of him is most true? Despite these multiple images and the problems of More's true identity, Travis Curtright uncovers a continuity of interests and, through interdisciplinary contexts, presents one Thomas More.
The One Thomas More carefully studies the central humanist and polemical texts written by More to illustrate a coherent development of thought. Focusing on three major works from More's humanist phase, The Life of Pico, The History of Richard III, and Utopia, Curtright demonstrates More's idea of humanitas and his corresponding programme of moderate political reform. Curtright then shows how More's later polemical theology and defense of the ecclesiastical courts were a continuation of his commitments rather than a break from them. Finally, More's prison letters are examined. His self-presentation in these letters is compared with other recent and iconic versions, such as those in Robert Bolt's Man for All Seasons and Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall. Instead of a divided mind emerging, Curtright ably shows More's integrity and consistency of thought.
The One Thomas More carefully studies the central humanist and polemical texts written by More to illustrate a coherent development of thought. Focusing on three major works from More's humanist phase, The Life of Pico, The History of Richard III, and Utopia, Curtright demonstrates More's idea of humanitas and his corresponding programme of moderate political reform. Curtright then shows how More's later polemical theology and defense of the ecclesiastical courts were a continuation of his commitments rather than a break from them. Finally, More's prison letters are examined. His self-presentation in these letters is compared with other recent and iconic versions, such as those in Robert Bolt's Man for All Seasons and Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall. Instead of a divided mind emerging, Curtright ably shows More's integrity and consistency of thought.
Reviews / Votes
Travis Curtright sets the record straight that there is just one [More,] unified by a belief that faith and reason work together - and that both are bound together in a common social framework rooted in proper authority. St. Thomas More remains an example for Catholics who wish to be good citizens and people of faith. Curtright ably explains that the resources in More's work are still available to contemporary Catholics."" - National Catholic Register""Travis Curtright does a fine job fusing St. Thomas More's 'humanist credo' and 'his later polemical theology." - The Catholic Historical Review
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Washington
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
363 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8132-2186-1 (9780813221861)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Travis Curtright, is a fellow of the Center for Thomas More Studies at the University of Dallas, associate professor of literature at Ave Maria University, and coeditor of Shakespeare's Last Plays: Essays in Politics and Literature.