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Summary: For Book-Lovers, Historians & Theologians
Review: This is the story of a man and his book.The man is Michael Servetus. He was a brilliant young Spaniard born into a world of religious upheaval and burgeoning science. Though he would become a well-respected physician who was the first (even before Harvey) to discover pulmonary circulation, he ran into trouble when he passionately espoused anti-Trinitarian beliefs--beliefs deemed heresy not only by the Roman Catholic Church but by important Protestant strongholds as well. The book is Christianismi Restituto. It was in this book that Servetus argued his unitarian stand and put forth his idea of pulmonary circulation. What was believed to be the last known copy of this book was chained to Servetus' leg as he was burned at the stake in Geneva in 1553. Of course, the book did survive; otherwise, there would be no story to tell and Servetus would be lost to history. In fact, as we learn through the pages of this wonderful book by the Goldstones, three copies of the book survived and are now extremely valuable. As a book collector, the story of the provenance of the three surviving copies is fascinating in itself. But there is much more of interest here than the story of a book. Much along the lines of the trend started by Dava Sobel in Longitude, the Goldstones tell the story of a much forgotten but most important moment in history. Amid the background of the development of printing and the beginnings of the Protestant Reformation, we learn of a man who made a huge scientific discovery that was basically forgotten for most of a century and re-discovered by the man who is usually credited with the discovery (Harvey). But, more importantly, we learn of a man who is swept up in the spirit of Protestantism and yet is destroyed by the very forces he helped to create. In fact, the story of the conflict between Servetus and Calvin is the most fascinating part of this book. In a world where the word "Inquisition" is a staple of criticism against the Roman Catholic church, it is important to be reminded that Protestant churches were often quick to burn those they considered heretics as well. Which makes it even more ironic that one of the three original surviving copies of this heretical book is Calvin's personal copy. All in all, this is a fascinating book. It is a wonderful history not only of a person but also of an era of upheaval and intellectual ferment. Anyone interested in book collecting, theology or Renaissance history will enjoy this book.
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Summary: Great book - too much extraneous material
Review: This was a great book that finally gives credit to one of the overlooked figures of history. If you weren't aware of Michael Servetus, then 99.9% of the population are your brethren. This book explores not only his theological genius, but also examines his invaluable contributions in fields as widely varied as medicine and cartography. His long lasting impact on our political and religious life is also explained in fascinating (and well documented) detail. The authors are gifted historians. It is this strength that also becomes the sole weakness of the book. The authors endeavor to capture the full historical context of the world in which Servetus lived. However, too much marginally relevant context is introduced, which in some cases served to detract from an otherwise great read.
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Summary: History, bookhunting, and theology all in one
Review: This was a hard book to put down. I enjoyed every bit of it. Besides a good view of historical events in the Europe of the 16th and 17th centuries, this book offers insights into the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, along with the nature of the theological disputes between Servetus and Calvin. Particularly enjoyable were the parts tracing the provenance of the three surviving copies of "Christianisimi Restitutio". How ironic that Calvin's copy was one of the three survivors---and it was he who ordered all copies burned!
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Summary: The history of political correctness
Review: Well well well, what a timely book is this! If you thought political correctness was something new, read this book to discover how the real pros operated before the introduction of science. Mind you, the anti-liberal (in the proper use of this term, not the American usage) forces are hard at work today as well. In Britain, we no longer burn folks at the stake, we put them on the 'National Register' or accuse them of 'hate crime'. You don't need to physically kill people anymore, there are other ways to eliminate heresy. If you think I'm just messing around, ask yourself this: how would you be punished today for voicing an unpopular opinion? Would you be ignored? Would someone debate with you and make you look foolish? Or would you be fired from your job, be attacked by hungry lawyers, have your windows smashed, or even go to prison? Many books are banned in Europe today. In America, the 'Scopes Trial' is not that far in the past. Canada recently flirted with metaphorical crime (arguing that fictional rape was equivalent to real rape). France has banned 'controversial' items being sold on Yahoo. The UK has banned certain comic books. In America, to criticize Israel (the government of the nation-state) is frequently misunderstood as criticism of Judaism (the religion). A normal, regular couple in England almost went to prison for taking photos of their kids playing in the bath (they were spared because they were employed at a large media company that came to their rescue). Okay, now go back to the 16th century and join the authors Goldstone in their remarkable tale of the last three surviving copies of a book by one Michael Servetus, doctor, philosopher, theologian, who was burned at the stake (with the help of one John Calvin - yes that Calvin, the father of Puritanism) because he dared to suggest that the ecclesiastical scholars of the day were perhaps not as well read as they should be. Oh, but that was the 16th century. Today, of course, anyone can hold any opinion on the Holocaust (even deny it ever happened) or colonialism (even saying it was a wonderful idea) or the Confederate flag (even arguing that it is a symbol of liberty) without any fear of assault or punishment. That's because we have freedom of speech now, right? We use logic and words, not laws and bullyboy tactics, right? No one would dream of blowing up an abortion clinic. As well as being very relevant, this book is a joy to read. The language is clear and modern, and it appears well researched. The bit on Calvin is sublime (yup, he really was a pain ...; Mike Bloomberg take note of Calvin's Geneva). Equally interesting is the history of books (printed books since 1455). If you think the internet is pretty cool, check out the printing press. Most important of all, this book is refreshing in its originality and scope. With all the grunge that is published these days, it is a real thrill to read something as informative and cogent as this little gem. Hats off to the Goldstones, I wish them every success with future investigations and literary pursuits.
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Summary: Michael Servetus - Etched in my mind forever.....
Review: What a fascinating book. It is superbly written and almost impossible to put down. Nonfiction history books that read like bestselling thrillers are hard to find indeed. But that is definitely the case here. Throughout the ages, how many individuals have markedly changed the world we live in, yet are not found in most history books? The name Michael Servetus is one that should be known by any serious student of Western Civilization, yet sadly his story has been missed by so many historians. Kudos to the authors for a job well done.
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Summary: A "John Grisham thriller"
Review: Who would believe that a book focused on 16th and 17th Century religion and politics in Europe would read like a Grisham thriller? But that is exactly the treat you are in for with this book. I cannot remember the last time that I could not put a book down until I had read the very last page. The first two thirds of the book is utterly captivating and a real lesson in how books changed religion. But, do not dismiss the last third, which focuses on the last three remaining copies of Servetus' most famous work. The history of those volumes is equally fascinating. This book, which would appeal to anyone who loves a thriller, would also appeal greatly to those who love History, Politics or Theology. I consider myself a far far richer man for having spent the weekend immersed in this volume.
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