Thomas Aquinas in 90 Minutes

By Paul Strathern

Book Overview

"Each of these little books is witty and dramatic and creates a sense of time, place, and character....I cannot think of a better way to introduce oneself and one's friends to Western civilization."--Katherine A. Powers, Boston Globe. "Well-written, clear and informed, they have a breezy wit about them....I find them hard to stop reading."--Richard Bernstein, New York Times. "Witty, illuminating, and blessedly concise."--Jim Holt, Wall Street Journal. These brief and enlightening explorations of our greatest thinkers bring their ideas to life in entertaining and accessible fashion. Philosophical thought is deciphered and made comprehensive and interesting to almost everyone. Far from being a novelty, each book is a highly refined appraisal of the philosopher and his work, authoritative and clearly presented.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1566631947
• ISBN13: 9781566631945
• Release Date: June 1998
• Publisher: Ivan R. Dee Publisher
• Length: 93 Pages
• Weight: 0.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.2" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

90 Minutes of Classic philosophers

In Feb., on Maui, my wife found this book in our condo laundry room. and, I read it. I liked it so much, I have not only acquired it, but, most of the 90 Minute series. I keep reading and adding.

A Very Basic Introduction to Thomas Aquinas

The title of this 2 CD set is Thomas Aquinas in 90 minutes, and that is exactly what this is: a very basic introduction. If you have a Doctorate in Midevil Philosophy, I doubt you will be impressed. However, if you know a little about Aquinas, and would like an overview of his life and work, this CD set fits the bill. I gave this 4 stars, in part, because this volume is the only game in town. The audiotape market is not exactly bursting with Thomas Aquinas introductions. It is lonely at the top. And the reality is, beggars cannot be choosers! Still this is a well read, solid introduction. The one negative aspect is it does not really focus much on the philosphy of Aquinas, rather the emphasis is on his biography and times. Now, why should you get this volume? Because it is a serviceable quick introduction to Aquinas, which if you listen to it, will put you ahead of 99.9% of the people out there with regard to a knowledge of his life and work. Aquinas had a major role in Catholic history as well as in philosophy. He also is an interesting person. For one thing, he had a fascinating mystical experience near the end of his life, after which he lost all interest in philosophy. And then there is the story of his chasing the French coquette off with a faggot when she tried to seduce him as a young man. I would say this is a very profitable way to spend 90 minutes, we are lucky to have this volume available.