John of Salisbury: Policraticus (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought) (Paperback)

by John of Salisbury (Author), Cary J. Nederman (Editor) "Among all of those things that important men are used to confronting, none of them may be thought more pernicious than that delightful allurement of..." (more)
Key Phrases: unarmed hand, blessed job, Holy Spirit, Roman Church, Most High (more...)

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Review
Regarded as the first complete work of political theory of the Latin Middle Ages, the importance of the Policraticus, for understanding the most influential segments of twelfth century Western Europe, is now revealed in an original translation. -- Book Description

Product Description
John of Salisbury (c. 1115-1180) was the foremost political theorist of his age. He was trained in scholastic theology and philosophy at Paris, and his writings are invaluable for summarizing many of the metaphysical speculations of his time. The Policraticus is his main work, and is regarded as the first complete work of political theory to be written in the Latin Middle Ages. Cary Nederman's new edition and translation, currently the only version available in English, is primarily aimed at undergraduate students of the history of political thought and medieval history. His new translation shows how important this text is in understanding the mores, forms of conduct and beliefs of the most powerful and learned segments of twelfth century Western Europe.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 270 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (October 26, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521367018
• ISBN-13: 978-0521367011
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #815,819 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars CAUTION!!, February 27, 2008

By	williamcompanyman "illum1nated" (Ohio, baby) - See all my reviews

Be Careful - the material on sorcery and other perverse practices at the Royal Court has been left out of this translation. This material is very interesting - and according to David Rollo and others, it should be interpreted carefully in light of the moral thrust of the work. It is very irritating to have an abridgment rather than the full work, and for this not to be reflected in the title.