The Christian Philosopher [Paperback]

Cotton Mather (Editor), Winton U Solberg (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 17, 2000

'Published in 1721 by the prominent Puritan clergyman Cotton Mather, "The Christian Philosopher" was the first comprehensive book on science to be written by an American. Building on natural theology, Mather demonstrated the harmony between religion and the new science associated with Sir Isaac Newton. His survey of all the known sciences from astronomy and physics to human anatomy presented evidence that both celestial and terrestrial phenomena imply an intelligent designer'.'Winton Solberg's introduction places Mather's treatise in its widest historical context. In addition to tracing the origins and sources of Mather's work, Solberg analyzes the book's contents, its reception, and its significance in American intellectual and cultural history. This edition affirms Mather's importance to American thought as a deeply religious intellectual who introduced the Enlightenment to America'.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In this lengthy study, originally published in 1721, Mather (1633-1728) examined Scripture and nature-the two great books of God-in order to show that the new science of Newton and his contemporaries is not at odds with traditional Christianity. While much of his science is outdated, the book remains appealing because of Mather's approach. To the natural science of Europe, the Puritan divine of Colonial New England, Mather added his own observations concerning the region's flora and fauna. Solberg (history, Univ. of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) has provided very full notes identifying Mather's sources and translating his classical quotations, as well as a biographical register. His introductory essay places Mather in the context of his times, showing that he was not the ignorant witch-hunter he is usually portrayed as. For academic and large public libraries.
Augustine J. Curley, Newark Abbey, Newark, N.J.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Solberg's splendid scholarship will help rehabilitate the reputation of the most prominent intellect of early eighteenth-century America... All students of early American science, literature, and religion will want to consult this book." -- Gerald McDermott, Religious Studies Review ADVANCE PRAISE "Hardly any intellectual concern was more important in the eighteenth century than natural theology, and Cotton Mather's Christian Philosopher was the great colonial British American compendium on the subject. Full of esoteric lore and obscure references, Mather's text has awaited a scholar with the tenacity and determination of Winton Solberg who could produce the definitive critical edition that we now at last have of this classic work." -- Norman Fiering, John Carter Brown Library, Brown University "Solberg has matched Cotton Mather in the industry, thoroughness, and zest with which he has undertaken and completed his task." -- John C. Greene, author of American Science in the Age of Jefferson

Product Details

• Paperback: 632 pages
• Publisher: University of Illinois Press (April 17, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0252068939
• ISBN-13: 978-0252068935
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,191,235 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Mather's Christian Philosopher, March 12, 2007

By 

C. Neal - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Christian Philosopher (Paperback)

A tough read, but an important one for understanding colonial New England and how the Enlightenment was changing the Puritan mind. Mather is also valuable to read in contrast to Jonathan Edwards.

4 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating study of a cult, March 13, 2003

By 

Former Rater (Nowhere) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Christian Philosopher (Paperback)

The progenitor of the Salem Witch trials documentary materials collected. This is a fine work of historical scholarship. Check the academic libraries around you...this is the historical foundation of modern right-wing personality / morality cults.