Synopses & Reviews
In this last collection of his vital, controversial, and accessible writings, Heiko A. Oberman seeks to liberate and broaden our understanding of the European Reformation, from its origins in medieval philosophy and theology through the Puritan settlers who brought Calvin's vision to the New World. Ranging over many topics, Oberman finds fascinating connections between aspects of the Reformation and twentieth-century history and thought--most notably the connection to Nazism and the Holocaust. He revisits his earlier work on the history of anti-Semitism, rejects the notion of an unbroken line from Luther to Hitler to the Holocaust, and offers a new perspective on the Christian legacy of anti-Semitism and its murderous result in the twentieth century. Oberman demonstrates how the simplifications and rigidities of modern historiography have obscured the existential spirits of such great figures as Luther and Calvin. He explores the debt of both Luther and Calvin to medieval religious thought and the impact of diverse features of "the long fifteenth century"--including the Black Death, nominalism, humanism, and the Conciliar Movement--on the Reformation.
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. 171-225) and index.
Synopsis
Stefano Dallandrsquo;Aglio sheds new light on the notorious Florentine Lorenzino deandrsquo; Medici (also known as Lorenzaccio) and on two of the most infamous assassinations of Italian Renaissance history. In 1537 Lorenzino changed the course of history by murdering Alessandro deandrsquo; Medici, first duke of Florence, and paving the way for the accession of the new duke, Cosimo I. In 1548 Lorenzino was killed in Venice in revenge for the assassination he had committed. Basing his work on extensive research in the historical archives of Florence and Simancas, Dallandrsquo;Aglio reconstructs the events surrounding these murders and involving the Medici, their loyalists, the Florentine republican exiles, and some of the most powerful sovereigns of the time. The first publication in a century, and the first work in English, to examine the life of Lorenzino deandrsquo; Medici, this fascinating revisionist history is as gripping as a detective novel, as Dallandrsquo;Aglio unravels a 500-year-old mystery, revealing that behind the bloody death of the dukeandrsquo;s assassin there was the Emperor Charles V.
About the Author
Stefano Dallandrsquo;Aglio is a research fellow at the University of Leeds, United Kingdom.
Donald Weinstein is professor emeritus, University of Arizona.