James Hankins Books

Focusing on the role of education in shaping citizens, the author argues that Renaissance political theorists prioritized cultivating virtue over merely reforming laws. Rather than viewing the period as the foundation of modern republicanism led by Machiavelli, the book highlights the importance of the humanities in promoting the social good through a transformative educational program. This perspective challenges conventional interpretations of Renaissance political thought and its implications for contemporary governance.

The book provides an in-depth exploration of Francesco Patrizi, a significant yet overlooked Renaissance philosopher. It delves into his concepts of "virtue politics," emphasizing the importance of shaping citizens' character and education. Patrizi's ideas aim to harmonize the principles of liberty, equality, and meritocratic leadership, highlighting his relevance in contemporary discussions on governance and civic responsibility.

Never trust a blackmailer. Vermont's promising young governor, Andrew Kane, is at another public meet-and-greet when a stranger from the crowd slips him a cell phone and whispers, "Keep this with you...keep it secret...you're going to need it after the arrest." Hours later, Andrew's brother, Tyler, is taken into custody--framed for the brutal murder of a young woman--and Andrew discovers there is only one way to free him: answer the mysterious phone and agree to a blackmailer's demands. All the governor has to do to make it all go away is compromise everything he stands for and grant a full pardon to a convicted felon. With no better option, he complies. Which is his first mistake...because the stranger isn't through with him. He has another little condition. Then another. And another. And Andrew has no choice but to play along until he can find a way out of this personal and political nightmare. But he isn't prepared for what he will face, or how far he will have to go to save his brother and keep his family together.

"Five days ago, aspiring crime novelist Jason Swike awoke chained to the wall of a run-down horse stable, convinced he would soon die at the hands of Crackerjack, the infamous serial killer who had terrorized the residents of Massachusetts for the past year--capturing and tormenting men, painting whimsical designs on their faces before shattering their bones and ending their lives. Just when death seems inevitable, Jason, with the help of another captive, manages to kill the madman and escape. Hailed as a hero, Jason reaps the benefits of his newfound fame: a book deal, a possible reconciliation with his estranged wife, and reward money he can use to pay for his son's costly medical treatments. But he soon realizes the nightmare that began in the deserted stable is far from over, as he is drawn into a twisted game where the darkest terror may not be the psychopath manipulating his every move, but what Jason may have to do to survive..."--Cover, page 4.

Alone in a deserted parking lot with blood on her clothes and no memory of recent months, Caitlin Sommers faces a chilling reality. Driven by a desperate need for answers, she ventures beyond her familiar suburban life into a mysterious and dangerous town. As she uncovers fragments of her past, Caitlin confronts a hidden truth that may hold the key to her lost memories and the nightmares that haunt her. The journey promises to reveal both terrifying secrets and the strength she never knew she possessed.

Exploring the evolution of republican concepts, this book contrasts them with medieval and early modern political thought traditions. It delves into how republicanism has developed over time, highlighting key philosophical shifts and the influence of historical contexts. The analysis provides insights into the foundational ideas of governance and citizenship, illustrating the transition from feudal systems to modern democratic principles. Through this exploration, readers gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of political theory across different eras.

James Hankins challenges the view that the Renaissance was the seedbed of modern republicanism, with Machiavelli as exemplary thinker. What most concerned Renaissance political theorists, Hankins contends, was not reforming laws but shaping citizens. To secure the social good, they fostered virtue through a new program of education: the humanities.

"Plato in the Italian Renaissance, the first book-length treatment of Renaissance Platonism in over fifty years, is a study of the dramatic revival of interest in the Platonic dialogues in Italy in the fifteenth century. Through a richly contextual study of the translations and commentaries on Plato, James Hankins seeks to show how the interpretation of Plato was molded by the expectations of fifteenth-century readers, by the need to protect Plato against his critics, and the broader hermeneutical assumptions and practices of the period.

Das Gesicht oder beide Füße verlieren? Alle Zähne oder ein Ohr? Sich selbst umbringen oder zusehen, wie die eigene Frau erschossen wird? Ein perfider Killer treibt in Boston sein Unwesen. Er stellt seine Opfer vor die Wahl. Sechzig Sekunden haben sie Zeit, sich zwischen zwei Optionen zu entscheiden – eine grausamer als die andere. Detective John Spader ermittelt auf Hochtouren. Doch schon bald gerät er selbst ins Visier des Täters – und das Leben seiner Familie steht auf dem Spiel …

»Danke, Wiley.« Vier Silben, die das Leben des jungen Staatsanwalts Charlie Beckham von Grund auf verändern. Denn den Spitznamen, bei dem ihn der Obdachlose in der U-Bahn nennt, kannte nur einer – sein Bruder Jake. Der investigative Journalist verschwand vor vielen Jahren spurlos. Weiß der Fremde, was damals mit ihm passierte? Ist Jake vielleicht sogar noch am Leben? Charlies Suche führt ihn in die finstersten Gassen Bostons, denn nur die skrupellosesten Männer der Stadt können ihm Antworten auf all seine Fragen geben …