Inspiration and Authority in the Middle Ages

Reviews / Votes

In his thoroughly researched and carefully argued monograph, Brian FitzGerald offers a detailed and nuanced account of the ways in which prophecy and authority intersected among the scholastic theologians of the Later Middle Ages. * Ian Christopher Levy, Speculum * It is perhaps a testament to FitzGerald's achievement that in addressing a seemingly simple question ('What was prophecy?'), he paints a picture of such nuance and depth that it generates as many new questions as it answers. * Laura Ackerman Smoller, University of Rochester, Journal of Ecclesiastical History * Inspiration and Authority in the Middle Ages is very valuable because it traces a genealogy of late medieval prophecy that undercuts the Joachite understanding that has dominated the research area for decades. Fitzgerald demonstrates that the interests of the late Middle Ages and those of the Renaissance are closer than many would think. This book is warmly recommended. * Carole Cusack, Reading Religion * timely, useful and extremely interesting ... The work in this book provides a long-overdue insight into the development of a powerful discourse, a tool for spiritual understanding which became an important weapon in peace and war from the 12th to the 16th centuries, and beyond. Fitzgerald's work gives the reader an idea of prophecy's importance for the Church herself, her texts, her unity and her place in history. ... Although not designed for general readers, students and scholars of prophecy (of all kinds), theology, the medieval Church, historiography and medieval historians, philosophy and the beginnings of Renaissance humanism and of literature and poetry will all be able to read this book and come away with something of value. * Dr Lesley Coote, Reviews in History *