Subject
More, Thomas, Saint, 1478-1535 Books
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Frederic Seebohm
The Oxford Reformers: John Colet, Erasmus, and Thomas More
"The Oxford Reformers: John Colet, Erasmus, and Thomas More" by Frederic Seebohm is a historical account written during the late 19th century. The work focuses on the collaborative efforts and shared intellectual pursuits of three prominent figures of the Renaissance: John Colet, Erasmus, and Thomas More, particularly in the context of their reformative ideologies that emerged during the transition from medieval to modern thought. The beginning of the book introduces John Colet's return from Italy to Oxford around 1496, highlighting the significance of his upcoming lectures on St. Paul's Epistles, which marks a shift towards a renewed focus on Scripture at the University, a subject largely neglected by scholars of his time. Colet's unorthodox approach to biblical interpretation and education is presented as a pivotal moment, likely to stir both curiosity and resistance from the traditional academic establishment at Oxford. This sets the stage for the exploration of how Colet, Erasmus, and More sought to navigate the complexities and contradictions of their era, as well as their influence on each other's reformative visions.
Robert Southey
Sir Thomas More, or, Colloquies on the Progress and Prospects of Society
"Sir Thomas More, or, Colloquies on the Progress and Prospects of Society" by Robert Southey is a philosophical dialogue written during the early 19th century. The text explores various societal issues through a series of conversations between the narrator, Montesinos, and the ghost of Sir Thomas More, a historical figure known for his moral integrity and reflection on political and social matters. The book delves into the dilemmas faced by society, particularly the contrasts between the ideals of improvement and the harsh realities of political and moral decay. At the start of the book, the narrator reflects on the national sorrow caused by the death of Princess Charlotte, leading to an introspective evening in his library. He is unexpectedly visited by a ghostly figure, who introduces himself as Sir Thomas More. Their conversation begins with discussions about superstition, belief in apparitions, and the nature of societal advancement. More elucidates his concerns regarding the prevailing moral state of humanity, highlighting the tendency of revolutionary ideas to lead to chaos and the importance of steady, thoughtful progress rather than rash changes. The dialogue offers an insightful critique of the present against the backdrop of a historical lens, setting the stage for deeper explorations of societal themes throughout the work.
John Frith
A boke made by John Fryth, prysoner in the Tower of London answerynge unto M. Mores letter, which he wrote agaynst the fyrste lytle treatyse that John Fryth made, concernynge the sacramente of the body and bloude of Christ
"A boke made by John Fryth, prysoner in the Tower of London" by John Frith is a theological treatise written in the early 16th century. The book presents Fryth's argument in response to Sir Thomas More's critique of his earlier views on the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ. It engages deeply with issues of faith, belief, and interpretation of scripture, particularly regarding the nature of the Eucharist and the spiritual versus the literal understanding of Christ's words. The opening of this work introduces John Fryth's situation as a prisoner facing execution due to his reformist beliefs. He recounts a conversation with a fellow Christian about the sacrament, which leads him to articulate his theological perspective. Fryth emphasizes the importance of spiritual understanding over literal interpretation, arguing that genuine faith and the essence of Christ’s sacrifice are more crucial than the physical aspects of the Eucharist. He sets the stage for a rigorous defense of his viewpoints against More's traditionalist stance, indicating that the book will address misconceptions surrounding the sacrament and establish a framework for understanding the relationship between faith and the corporeal rituals of Christianity.
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