The Courtier and the Heretic: Leibniz, Spinoza, and the Fate of God in the Modern World

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Religious
Cover of the book The Courtier and the Heretic: Leibniz, Spinoza, and the Fate of God in the Modern World by Matthew Stewart, W. W. Norton & Company
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Matthew Stewart ISBN: 9780393071047
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company Publication: January 17, 2007
Imprint: W. W. Norton & Company Language: English
Author: Matthew Stewart
ISBN: 9780393071047
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Publication: January 17, 2007
Imprint: W. W. Norton & Company
Language: English

“A colorful reinterpretation. . . . Stewart’s wit and profluent prose make this book a fascinating read.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

Philosophy in the late seventeenth century was a dangerous business. No careerist could afford to know the reclusive, controversial philosopher Baruch de Spinoza. Yet the wildly ambitious genius Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, who denounced Spinoza in public, became privately obsessed with Spinoza's ideas, wrote him clandestine letters, and ultimately met him in secret.

"In refreshingly lucid terms" (Booklist) Matthew Stewart "rescues both men from a dusty academic shelf, bringing them to life as enlightened humans" (Library Journal) central to the religious, political, and personal battles that gave birth to the modern age. Both men put their faith in the guidance of reason, but one spent his life defending a God he may not have believed in, while the other believed in a God who did not need his defense. Ultimately, the two thinkers represent radically different approaches to the challenges of the modern era. They stand for a choice that we all must make.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

“A colorful reinterpretation. . . . Stewart’s wit and profluent prose make this book a fascinating read.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

Philosophy in the late seventeenth century was a dangerous business. No careerist could afford to know the reclusive, controversial philosopher Baruch de Spinoza. Yet the wildly ambitious genius Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, who denounced Spinoza in public, became privately obsessed with Spinoza's ideas, wrote him clandestine letters, and ultimately met him in secret.

"In refreshingly lucid terms" (Booklist) Matthew Stewart "rescues both men from a dusty academic shelf, bringing them to life as enlightened humans" (Library Journal) central to the religious, political, and personal battles that gave birth to the modern age. Both men put their faith in the guidance of reason, but one spent his life defending a God he may not have believed in, while the other believed in a God who did not need his defense. Ultimately, the two thinkers represent radically different approaches to the challenges of the modern era. They stand for a choice that we all must make.

More books from W. W. Norton & Company

Cover of the book A Labyrinth of Kingdoms: 10,000 Miles through Islamic Africa by Matthew Stewart
Cover of the book Mutiny on the Globe: The Fatal Voyage of Samuel Comstock by Matthew Stewart
Cover of the book The Lives of Margaret Fuller: A Biography by Matthew Stewart
Cover of the book The Magic Words: Writing Great Books for Children and Young Adults by Matthew Stewart
Cover of the book Here and Now: Poems by Matthew Stewart
Cover of the book The Watch: Stories by Matthew Stewart
Cover of the book Vegan Vegetarian Omnivore: Dinner for Everyone at the Table by Matthew Stewart
Cover of the book Tall Trees, Tough Men by Matthew Stewart
Cover of the book Law for Architects: What You Need to Know by Matthew Stewart
Cover of the book A Force of Nature: The Frontier Genius of Ernest Rutherford (Great Discoveries) by Matthew Stewart
Cover of the book Collected Poems by Matthew Stewart
Cover of the book Alone on the Wall (Expanded edition) by Matthew Stewart
Cover of the book Censors at Work: How States Shaped Literature by Matthew Stewart
Cover of the book The Elephant and the Dragon: The Rise of India and China and What It Means for All of Us by Matthew Stewart
Cover of the book Reinventing Knowledge: From Alexandria to the Internet by Matthew Stewart
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy