Thomas Becket
Thomas Becket

Author: John Guy

Publisher: Random House

Published: 2012-07-03

Total Pages: 449

ISBN-13: 0679603417

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A revisionist new biography reintroducing readers to one of the most subversive figures in English history—the man who sought to reform a nation, dared to defy his king, and laid down his life to defend his sacred honor NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY KANSAS CITY STAR AND BLOOMBERG Becket’s life story has been often told but never so incisively reexamined and vividly rendered as it is in John Guy’s hands. The son of middle-class Norman parents, Becket rose against all odds to become the second most powerful man in England. As King Henry II’s chancellor, Becket charmed potentates and popes, tamed overmighty barons, and even personally led knights into battle. After his royal patron elevated him to archbishop of Canterbury in 1162, however, Becket clashed with the King. Forced to choose between fealty to the crown and the values of his faith, he repeatedly challenged Henry’s authority to bring the church to heel. Drawing on the full panoply of medieval sources, Guy sheds new light on the relationship between the two men, separates truth from centuries of mythmaking, and casts doubt on the long-held assumption that the headstrong rivals were once close friends. He also provides the fullest accounting yet for Becket’s seemingly radical transformation from worldly bureaucrat to devout man of God. Here is a Becket seldom glimpsed in any previous biography, a man of many facets and faces: the skilled warrior as comfortable unhorsing an opponent in single combat as he was negotiating terms of surrender; the canny diplomat “with the appetite of a wolf” who unexpectedly became the spiritual paragon of the English church; and the ascetic rebel who waged a high-stakes contest of wills with one of the most volcanic monarchs of the Middle Ages. Driven into exile, derided by his enemies as an ungrateful upstart, Becket returned to Canterbury in the unlikeliest guise of all: as an avenging angel of God, wielding his power of excommunication like a sword. It is this last apparition, the one for which history remembers him best, that will lead to his martyrdom at the hands of the king’s minions—a grisly episode that Guy recounts in chilling and dramatic detail. An uncommonly intimate portrait of one of the medieval world’s most magnetic figures, Thomas Becket breathes new life into its subject—cementing for all time his place as an enduring icon of resistance to the abuse of power.

The Life of S. Thomas Becket of Canterbury (Classic Reprint)
The Life of S. Thomas Becket of Canterbury (Classic Reprint)

Author: Mrs. Hope

Publisher:

Published: 2015-07-19

Total Pages: 368

ISBN-13: 9781331839729

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Excerpt from The Life of S. Thomas Becket of Canterbury It ought not to be hard to read the character of S. Thomas of Canterbury, nor to understand for what cause he shed his blood. Ranke, with simply honest endeavour, has comprehended both. Speaking of Henry, he says: "He did not choose to allow the Church freedom of election to high ecclesiastical dignities; he would not permit her excommunications to proceed without the supervision of the State. Not only did he insist on the right of the civil tribunals to judge ecclesiastics for great crimes, which would otherwise have been left unpunished, but in the sphere of spiritual jurisdiction he claimed for the State the right of being the highest court of appeal, instead of the Pope." Of S. Thomas himself the same historian says: "Becket was not actuated by the same unbending obstinacy which characterizes most of the champions of the hierarchy." All this is quite clear and simple, and ought to be seen by anyone who takes the trouble to study the question. S. Thomas died for the liberty of the Church. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

The Pursuit of Belief - Christian Classics Collection
The Pursuit of Belief - Christian Classics Collection

Author: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Publisher: Good Press

Published: 2023-12-16

Total Pages: 20399

ISBN-13:

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The Pursuit of Belief - Christian Classics Collection encapsulates an extraordinary confluence of theological inquiry, philosophical meditation, and literary artistry. This anthology traverses a vast temporal landscape, from the patristic period to the threshold of the contemporary, gathering a multitude of voices that have shaped Christian thought and the broader cultural legacy of humanity. It juxtaposes the divine comedy of Dante Alighieri with the existential musings of Friedrich Nietzsche, the transcendental reflections of Ralph Waldo Emerson with the spiritual allegories of John Bunyan, and the mystic insights of St. Teresa of Ávila with the practical Christianity of Charles M. Sheldon, showcasing an unparalleled range of literary styles and theological perspectives. The collection stands as a testimony to the enduring dialogue between faith and reason, individual belief and societal norms. The contributing authors and editors, drawn from varied epochs and geographies, reflect a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and intellectual contexts. Figures like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Leo Tolstoy stand alongside St. Augustine and Martin Luther, exemplifying the anthologys alignment with significant historical and literary movements. This diversity not only illuminates the multifaceted nature of Christian thought but also demonstrates how these varied voices contribute to a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the anthologys central themes. Such an assemblage encourages readers to discern the intricate relationships between faith, culture, and personal conviction across different periods and places. The Pursuit of Belief - Christian Classics Collection is an indispensable volume for those interested in the intersection of faith, literature, and philosophy. It offers readers the unique opportunity to engage with a wide array of perspectives and themes, encouraging a comprehensive exploration of Christian belief as both a personal journey and a collective experience. This anthology is not merely a scholarly endeavor but a voyage through time and thought, inviting readers to ponder profound questions and explore the myriad ways in which the pursuit of belief shapes our understanding of the world and ourselves. As such, it is highly recommended for students, scholars, and anyone with a keen interest in the historical and philosophical dimensions of faith.

The Holy Blissful Martyr Saint Thomas Of Canterbury
The Holy Blissful Martyr Saint Thomas Of Canterbury

Author: Robert Hugh Benson

Publisher: Legare Street Press

Published: 2022-10-27

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781018793184

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This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

The Life and Martyrdom
The Life and Martyrdom

Author: John Morris

Publisher:

Published: 2015-07-20

Total Pages: 676

ISBN-13: 9781331858850

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Excerpt from The Life and Martyrdom: Of Saint Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Legate of the Holy See The life of St. Thomas of Canterbury requires no introduction. Panegyric and preliminary explanation are equally unnecessary, for he is not a man the circumstances of whose career are but little known. Every one will look for the most entire sympathy with him and his cause in the following pages and the writer cordially acknowledges that he entertains, and is proud of, this feeling. At the same time he hopes that no one will think that because the Saint, whose life he has ventured to write, is a hero in his eyes, he has recorded one word that he did not consider to be completely borne out by the ancient authorities. In so controverted a part of history, he has laid modern books aside, and has relied for his facts on contemporary writers alone; and his endeavour has been to enable the reader to weigh for himself the evidence on which his own judgment has been formed. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Anselm & Becket
Anselm & Becket

Author: John (of Salisbury, Bishop of Chartres)

Publisher: PIMS

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 120

ISBN-13:

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John of Salisbury (d. 1180), a scholar, author and diplomat, was numbered among the eruditi, the learned clerks in service to Theobald and to Thomas Becket, successive archbishops of Canterbury. Indeed, John was a member of Becket's household and present in the cathedral when the archbishop's infamous murder occurred, albeit from a rather ignominious position, concealed in the shadows of the darkening church. Within two years of that fateful event, John composed a brief Life of his friend, the martyr. This would be his second biography of a saint. The first was written at the behest of Archbishop Thomas Becket early in 1163 for inclusion in the dossier presented to Pope Alexander III at the Council of Tours petitioning the pope to canonize Anselm (1033-1109), a former archbishop of Canterbury. Although neither of these biographies has secured the universal acclaim that modern scholars have bestowed on John of Salisbury's other writings, both certainly warrant scholarly attention. This translation of the Lives of Anselm and Becket finally makes available in English all the known writings of John of Salisbury. These two works are his only contributions to the genres of biography and hagiography. In them we see how this notable Christian humanist employed his considerable rhetorical skills to create lasting literary memorials to figures of great importance in English ecclesiastical history. His profound concern for the freedom of the Church, his loathing of tyrants and tyrannical behavior, his affection for the classics and Sacred Scripture, are themes woven into his accounts of the lives and activities of two archbishops of Canterbury who endured indignity and exile for the sake of Church liberty. One authored renowned treatises in philosophy and theology; the other suffered a cruel martyrdom and secured undying fame. Both are canonized saints.

The Essential Works of Christianity
The Essential Works of Christianity

Author: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Publisher: Good Press

Published: 2023-12-16

Total Pages: 20250

ISBN-13:

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The Essential Works of Christianity' curates an unprecedented anthology that spans centuries, continents, and a myriad of literary forms, from theological treatises to poetic masterpieces. This collection not only showcases the evolution of Christian thought but also highlights the diversity within its doctrine and cultural expressions. Within its pages, readers will find seminal works from figures whose writings have shaped not just religious discourse but have also left an indelible mark on world literature and philosophy. The inclusion of both canonical texts and less widely-read yet equally impactful writings offers a comprehensive look into the richness and complexity of Christian intellectual and spiritual traditions. The contributing authors and editors are titans in their respective fields, hailing from vastly different epochs and societies, thereby offering a kaleidoscopic view of Christianity's footprint across history. From the foundational insights of early Church Fathers like Saint Augustine and Gregory of Nyssa to the provocative inquiries of modern thinkers such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Leo Tolstoy, this anthology encompasses a broad spectrum of perspectives. It aligns with several key literary and cultural movements, vividly illustrating Christianitys role in shaping Western thought and its ongoing dialogue with modernity. 'ReadThe Essential Works of Christianity' is indispensable reading for anyone seeking to delve deeply into the ethos of Christian thought and its myriad expressions throughout history. It offers a unique educational journey, supplemented by the breadth of insights from some of history's most influential writers, philosophers, and theologians. This collection not only educates but also fosters a profound dialogue between the diverse works and their authors, encouraging readers to explore the vast landscape of Christian ideology, ethics, and aesthetics. Its eclectic mix of voices and styles makes it a must-have for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the enduring influence of Christianity in shaping human thought and culture.

Murder in the Cathedral
Murder in the Cathedral

Author: T. S. Eliot

Publisher: HarperCollins

Published: 2014-02-25

Total Pages: 86

ISBN-13: 0547542607

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T. S. Eliot's most famous drama, a retelling of the murder of the archbishop of Canterbury Murder in the Cathedral, written for the Canterbury Festival in 1935, was one of T. S. Eliot’s first dramatic achievements, and it remains one of the great plays of the century. It takes as its subject matter the martyrdom of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, depicting the events that led to his assassination, in his own cathedral church, by the knights of Henry II in 1170. Like Greek drama, the play’s theme and form are rooted in religion, ritual purgation and renewal, and it was this return to the earliest sources of drama that brought poetry triumphantly back to the English stage at the time. "The theatre is enriched by this poetic play of grave beauty and momentous decision." —The New York Times