Gerald Christianson Book order

This volume contains studies on Nicholas of Cusa and his times. The first section is concerned with Cusanus' context, beginning with a historiographic essay by Francis Oakley on the impact of Brian Tierney's Foundations of the Conciliar Theory . Among the topics addressed are the long-term continuation of the Council of Basel (1431-1449) and the issues of ecclesiastical income which it addressed. The second part is concerned with Cusanus' thought on the Church, both in his conciliarist and papalist phases. Included is the first translation into English of Nicholas' Reformatio generalis . Attention also is paid to Cusanus' reforming efforts and the relationship of his thought on these issues to his earliest speculative writings. The third part is concerned with Nicholas' ideas on Christ and mystical experience.Particular attention is paid to the De visione dei , including its relationship to Renaissance art. The volume concludes with wide-ranging essays on the larger significance of Cusanus' speculative thought. An update of Thomas M. Izbicki's bibliography of Cusanus scholarship in English is included.

Nicholas of Cusa (d. 1464) was one of the most original thinkers of the Renaissance. This collection examines, from several viewpoints, his speculative thought and reviews his ideas on dialogue with non-Christians in the light of his theories. The collection opens with a review of the origins of modern Cusanus scholarship. At its heart is a series on Nicholas' quest for God, his comprehension of the cosmos and his views on the intellect, also on his approach to non-Christians. It concludes with an essay on the relationship of Cusanus' life to his theories and a bibliographic review of Cusanus scholarship in the English language. This collection will serve as a microcosm of the present scholarship in English on a complex and versatile theorist. The bibliography of Cusanus scholarship will enable interested readers to explore other themes and other viewpoints not encompassed by these essays.