- Paperback: 368 pages
- Publisher: Broadway Books; Reprint edition (Sep 2003)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0767908376
- ISBN-13: 978-0767908375
- Product Dimensions: 13.2 x 2.1 x 20.3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 435,163 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
Michael Servetus is one of those hidden figureheads of history who is remembered not for his name, but for the revolutionary deeds that stand in his place. Both a scientist and a freethinking theologian, Servetus is credited with the discovery of pulmonary circulation in the human body as well as the authorship of a polemical masterpiece that cost him his life. The Chrisitianismi Restituto, a heretical work of biblical scholarship, written in 1553, aimed to refute the orthodox Christianity that Servetus' old colleague, John Calvin, supported. After the book spread through the ranks of Protestant hierarchy, Servetus was tried and agonizingly burned at the stake, the last known copy of the Restitutio chained to his leg.
Servetus's execution is significant because it marked a turning point in the quest for freedom of expression, due largely to the development of the printing press and the proliferation of books in Renaissance Europe. Three copies of the Restitutio managed to survive the burning, despite every effort on the part of his enemies to destroy them. As a result, the book became almost a surrogate for its author, going into hiding and relying on covert distribution until it could be read freely, centuries later. Out of the Flames tracks the history of this special work, examining Servetus's life and times and the politics of the first information during the sixteenth century. Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone follow the clandestine journey of the three copies through the subsequent centuries and explore its author's legacy and influence over the thinkers that shared his spirit and genius, such as Leibniz, Voltaire, Rousseau, Jefferson, Clarence Dorrow, and William Osler.
Out of the Flames is an extraordinary story providing testament to the power of ideas, the enduring legacy of books, and the triumph of individual courage.
From the Hardcover edition.
Servetus's execution is significant because it marked a turning point in the quest for freedom of expression, due largely to the development of the printing press and the proliferation of books in Renaissance Europe. Three copies of the Restitutio managed to survive the burning, despite every effort on the part of his enemies to destroy them. As a result, the book became almost a surrogate for its author, going into hiding and relying on covert distribution until it could be read freely, centuries later. Out of the Flames tracks the history of this special work, examining Servetus's life and times and the politics of the first information during the sixteenth century. Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone follow the clandestine journey of the three copies through the subsequent centuries and explore its author's legacy and influence over the thinkers that shared his spirit and genius, such as Leibniz, Voltaire, Rousseau, Jefferson, Clarence Dorrow, and William Osler.
Out of the Flames is an extraordinary story providing testament to the power of ideas, the enduring legacy of books, and the triumph of individual courage.
From the Hardcover edition.
About the Author
Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone are a husband-and-wife writing team who have written three books on their book-collecting pursuits: Used and Rare, Slightly Changed, and Warmly Inscribed. Lawrence Goldstone teaches creative writing at New York University.
--This text refers to the
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MICHAEL SERVETUS WAS born Serveto Conesa alias Reves on Saint Michael's Day, September 29, 1511, in the small town of Villanueva de Sijena, in the province of Huesca. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
MICHAEL SERVETUS WAS born Serveto Conesa alias Reves on Saint Michael's Day, September 29, 1511, in the small town of Villanueva de Sijena, in the province of Huesca. Read the first page
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
'Out of the flames' is prehaps the best popular introduction to Michael Servetus and the world of the Reformation currently available. It is much more than the story of a rare book. For example,Servetus' historical and Biblical studies led him to the conclusion that Christianity had become corrupted during the first three centuries of our Common Era. He learned that the Church had promoted false teachings that eventually led to the adoption of the Trinity as an official doctrine. At the age of 20, Servetus published his book 'On the Errors of the Trinity', a work that made him a principal target of the Inquisition.
Servetus saw things clearly. "In the Bible," he wrote, "there is no mention of the Trinity. . . . We get to know God, not through our proud philosophical concepts, but through Christ." He also came to the conclusion that the holy spirit is not a person but, rather, God's force in action. Such a view remains a challenge for anyone today, like Servetus, who is sincerely interested in Truth. A valuable lesson, and thank you, Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone for a great book!
Servetus saw things clearly. "In the Bible," he wrote, "there is no mention of the Trinity. . . . We get to know God, not through our proud philosophical concepts, but through Christ." He also came to the conclusion that the holy spirit is not a person but, rather, God's force in action. Such a view remains a challenge for anyone today, like Servetus, who is sincerely interested in Truth. A valuable lesson, and thank you, Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone for a great book!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Quite simply unputdownable. It will forge an interest in antique books where the was none before. The authors best work.
Format:Paperback
'Out of the Flames' is prehaps the best popular introduction to Michael Servetus and the world of the Reformation currently available. It is much more than the story of a rare book. For example,Servetus' historical and Biblical studies led him to the conclusion that Christianity had become corrupted during the first three centuries of our Common Era. He learned that the Church had promoted false teachings that eventually led to the adoption of the Trinity as an official doctrine. At the age of 20, Servetus published his book 'On the Errors of the Trinity', a work that made him a principal target of the Inquisition.
Servetus saw things clearly. "In the Bible," he wrote, "there is no mention of the Trinity. . . . We get to know God, not through our proud philosophical concepts, but through Christ." He also came to the conclusion that the holy spirit is not a person but, rather, God's force in action. Such a view remains a challenge for anyone today, like Servetus, who is sincerely interested in Truth. A valuable lesson, and thank you, Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone for a great book!
Servetus saw things clearly. "In the Bible," he wrote, "there is no mention of the Trinity. . . . We get to know God, not through our proud philosophical concepts, but through Christ." He also came to the conclusion that the holy spirit is not a person but, rather, God's force in action. Such a view remains a challenge for anyone today, like Servetus, who is sincerely interested in Truth. A valuable lesson, and thank you, Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone for a great book!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Two very good books about another and all in one
I read "Out of the Flames" because I enjoyed Nancy Goldstone's The Three Queens. That is about four daughters of the Count of Provence and the family relationship. Read more
Published on 2 Aug 2009 by John Avery Hancox
A mine of historical information
If you like books which prompt you to further research, then Out of the Flames is for you. The story of Michael Servetus is gripping all the way through, and the regular... Read more
Published on 17 May 2003 by "howellthomas"
A very valuable addition to your library
I warmly recommend this book for your private library. Besides telling the story of the clash between Calvin and Servetus, it is a positive mine of information about the general... Read more
Published on 30 April 2003 by "howellthomas"
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