DIVA concise and illuminating introduction to the elusive Thomas Aquinas, the man and the saint/div

In contemporary discussions of abortion, both sides argue well-worn positions, particularly concerning the question, When does human life begin? Though often invoked by the Catholic Church for support, Thomas Aquinas in fact held that human life begins after conception, not at the moment of union. But his overall thinking on questions of how humans come into being, and cease to be, is more subtle than either side in this polarized debate imagines. Fabrizio Amerini—an internationally-renowned scholar of medieval philosophy—does justice to Aquinas’ views on these controversial issues. Some pro-life proponents hold that Aquinas’ position is simply due to faulty biological knowledge, and if he knew what we know today about embryology, he would agree that human life begins at conception. Others argue that nothing Aquinas could learn from modern biology would have changed his mind. Amerini follows the twists and turns of Aquinas’ thinking to reach a nuanced and detailed solution in the final chapters that will unsettle familiar assumptions and arguments. Systematically examining all the pertinent texts and placing each in historical context, Amerini provides an accurate reconstruction of Aquinas’ account of the beginning and end of human life and assesses its bioethical implications for today. This major contribution is available to an English-speaking audience through translation by Mark Henninger, himself a noted scholar of medieval philosophy.

Saint Thomas Aquinas is a saint for the ages. He is also a saint for all ages now thanks to the work of Mary Ellen Evans, Geoffrey Gneuhs and Margaret Nichols. In this narrative retelling of the life of the great theologian, our saint comes alive for young readers looking to find out about the life of such a gifted mind without having to struggle with the deep philosophy in which he finds the profound truths of God. This is a great introduction to this Dominican saint and is very readable for all ages.

Chesterton's customary wit and engaging storytelling provide a brief but vivid profile. He focuses on the saint's life, rather than on theology, to illustrate Thomas's relevance to modern readers.

The scion of a noble Italian family, Tommaso of Aquino turned his back on privilege and - to the consternation of his family - took the strict vows of a Dominican friar. G. K. Chesterton's biography views the life of this saint through the glass of the historical and revolutionary changes he brought about as one of the most influential thinkers of his day. Chesterton explores the nature of the Gothic revolution and Aquinas' place in it, contrasting him with St Francis of Assisi - a near contemporary - and finding their differences 'complementary'. St. Dominic, Albertus Magnus and St. Bonaventure all figure in the tale, with Chesterton's famed wordplay and sense of fun giving a light touch to a work that has been described by Aquinas scholar Etienne Gilson as "without comparison the best book ever written on St Thomas. Nothing short of genius can account for such an achievement."