The Great Medieval Heretics: Five Centuries of Religious Dissent (Hardcover)

by Michael Frassetto (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Frassetto admirably demonstrates that many who were declared heretics have much to teach us and some may not have been as far from orthodoxy as originally thought."  —Library Journal

"A remarkable contribution to our understanding of medieval society and religion."  —Hans J. Hillerbrand, professor of religion, Duke University, author, The Protestant Reformation

"A refreshing new view of medieval religious dissenters and their effect on Christianity as a whole. Michael Frassetto presents a human and very readable account."  —Jeffrey Burton Russell, author, A History of Heaven

"Frassetto offers a detailed examination of the lives and teachings of learned heresiarchs, pesky troublemakers, and power-filled women mystics. Intellectual, social, and Church historians will all profit from this well-indexed work."  —John R. Sommerfeldt, author, Bernard of Clairvaux: On the Life of the Mind

"Michael Frassetto clears a path through the thicket of religious dissent to deliver clear-eyed biographical sketches of the holy heresiarchs who gave so much grief to the medieval church. A non-polemical introduction to a thorny subject."  —Stephen O'Shea, author, The Perfect Heresy

Product Description

Replete with terror, passion, and hope, this gripping narrative history explores the intricate mysteries of medieval Europe through the lives of the great heretics whose beliefs and practices challenged the teachings of an all-powerful church. Five centuries of social and spiritual turmoil are covered through a vivid and telling mix of events, personalities, and ideas. A host of figures are discussed in detail, including Bogomil, an obscure priest from the Balkans who introduced Manichean ideas to parishioners; Henry the Monk, who eluded capture and prepared southern France for the Cathars; Marguerite Porete, the great mystic who was burned at the stake; Fra Dolcino, whose brigand followers terrorized northern Italy; and the heralds of the Reformation, John Wyclif and Jan Hus. By the end of the Middle Ages, the courageous lives and beliefs of these and the other heretics discussed had transformed the religious, cultural, and political map of Europe.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Bluebridge (June 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933346124
• ISBN-13: 978-1933346120
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #284,990 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An intriguing account looking at the past and how far some people are willing to go for their beliefs., September 3, 2008

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

To have one's own religious beliefs is a right that every American is guaranteed. "The Great Medieval Heretics: Five Centuries of Religious Dissent" is a look at a time where such a right was unheard of, and the Church held great power. Going over the centuries looking at those who dared to believe different, be it for better or worse. It's an intriguing account looking at the past and how far some people are willing to go for their beliefs. "The Great Medieval Heretics" is enhanced with an index, glossary, and other appendixes to help one's educational experience, making it highly recommended to those with an interest everywhere.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great book for those who seek knowledgeabout heresy in the Middle Ages, August 30, 2008

By	Bernard Schwimmer "wine man" (long beach ny) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Great book on a glanced over topic in many history books. Easy to read written to the comman man not the high brow scholar. Great source for history teachers as a primer for the Protestant Reformation and its origins

5 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Is the Author a Catholic or a Protestant? , November 11, 2008

By	David Roemer (Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Very interesting account of the Cathars and Bogomils, Waldensians, Hussites, Lollards (Wycliff), and others and their connection to the Reformation. I noticed in the Conclusion, however, a certain bias. The author praised the faith of the heretics for pursuing their efforts at reform, but he never praised the faith of the orthodox Catholics for trying to suppress them. A very good read.