Nicholas of Cusa: A Sketch for a Biography, translated with an introduction by David Crowner and Gerald Christianson

This translation of Erich Meuthen's well-known biography of Nicholas of Cusa presents the foremost summary of Cusanus's life and thought. From its original edition in 1964 through its seventh edition in 1992, Meuthen's sketch has found an appreciative audience. As Meuthen takes readers through Cusanus's life (1401-1464) they will be amazed that, in an age when writers set down every word with quill and ink, and one traversed every mile on land by foot or horse, Cusanus covered thousands of miles, maintained detailed administration of church affairs, rose in rank to cardinal, served as a papal legate, and still found time to write penetrating treatises such as The Catholic Concordance, Learned Ignorance, The Vision of God, and The Peace of Faith. While rendering Meuthen's language into smooth prose that still reflects his style and intent, the translators have added an introduction that describes the historical context for Cusanus. New also is a glossary of terms, as well as an updated bibliography of Cusanus research compiled by Hans Gerhard Senger, and a tribute to Meuthen by Morimichi Watanabe.ABOUT THE TRANSLATORS: David Crowner is professor emeritus of German Language and Literature at Gettysburg College and author of two language programs for college German. Gerald Christianson, professor emeritus of church history at Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary, is the co-editor of Introducing Nicholas of Cusa; Reject Aeneas, Accept Pius; and The Church, the Councils, and Reform. Together, they collaborated on The Spirituality of the German Awakening.PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:"An excellent work. Scholars will be grateful for the English edition, which gives non-German speakers access to the life and writings of a significant and fascinating figure." ― Paul E. Sigmund, professor of politics, Princeton University; author of Nicholas of Cusa and Medieval Political Thought and translator of Nicholas of Cusa, The Catholic Concordance"While Gerald Christianson is one of the leading experts on Nicholas of Cusa's theology, David Crowner is a fine linguist with excellent command of the German language. One could not think of a better combination. Their rendering of Meuthen's book does more than justice to the original."―Tamara Albertini, professor of philosophy, University of HawaiI at Manoa Read more