The Mind of Maimonides David NovakNovak writes, "No one brought forth the teaching of Moses and his prophetic and rabbinic successors more comprehensively and systematically than did Maimonides. More has been said and written about him than any other Jewish thinker throughout history."
Thomas Aquinas: A Doctor for the Ages Romanus CessarioPart of First Things' compendium of influencers in the Second Millennium, Cessario reviews the life of the 13th Century friar whose genius still seems fresh--and true. "[Aquinas] has something to offer everyone who is serious about...the truth."
Dante: A Party of One Robert HollanderA detailed reckoning of the great fourteenth-century poet Dante's life and work--and their implications.
Columbus and the Beginning of the World Robert RoyalRoyal presents Christopher Columbus, including his Christian motivations and his times, how he has been used as a symbol for divergent views, etc. He seeks to bring reality and historical accuracy to the discussion of this highly-charged figure.
Calvin and the Christian Calling Alister McGrathOxford professor and Christian apologist Alister McGrath concludes, "The legacy of John Calvin invites us [Christians] to engage our world, and instructs us in how to do so with integrity"--something fundamentalism frequently fails to do.
Pascal: The First Modern Christian Edward T. OakesAn in-depth look into the soul of the great philosopher Blaise Pascal.
Rousseau & the Revolt Against Reason Mary Ann Glendon"This prodigiously gifted, gravely flawed genius of the eighteenth century was at his best when he reminded his proud contemporaries of the limitations of science and politics.... But Rousseau's most problematic legacy, the one that bedevils us today, has been his elevation of sincerity over truth, and feeling over reason."
Abraham Lincoln & the Last Best Hope Jean Bethke ElshtainElshtain concludes, "...there is no point in hoping for another Abraham Lincoln. But one may hope that we have not entirely forgotten the possibilities of political and moral leadership that he exemplified." She paints a picture of a wiley, yet moral politician.
John Paul II and the Crisis of Humanism George WeigelGeorge Weigel, author of the recently published Witness to Hope: The Biography of John Paul II, writes, "A serious case can be made for Pope John Paul II as the man who most singularly embodies humanity's trials and triumphs in the twentieth century."
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