The Soul of a Lion: The Life of Dietrich Von Hildebrand (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Saddened by the thought that, because of the difference in age between my husband and myself, there was a large segment of his life that..." (more)
Key Phrases: impressive personality, great friendliness, Dietrich von Hildebrand, San Francesco, Adolf von Hildebrand (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Dietrich von Hildebrand, widely regarded as one of the great Catholic philosophers of the 20th century, is well-known for his numerous books, but, until this present work, not much has been known of his remarkable and inspiring life. Written by his wife, Alice, also a highly respected Catholic thinker, this is a fascinating, moving and, at times, gripping account of a truly great man of the Church who suffered much for the faith. Based on a very long "letter" Dietrich wrote to his wife late in his life, it tells his story from his glorious youth with a unique intellectual and cultural formation, his coversion to Catholisism, his great passion for truth and beauty, his extensive writing on Christian philosophy and theology, and his steadfast, determined opposition to Nazism that made him a marked man who miraculously escaped execution. A powerful biography of a relentless fighter against injustice, a devoted son of the Church, a man who had the "soul of a lion". Illustrated.

Product Details

• Paperback: 322 pages
• Publisher: Ignatius Press; illustrated edition edition (October 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089870801X
• ISBN-13: 978-0898708011
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #386,906 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Lion of the Church, January 29, 2001

By	Margaret (Silicon Valley) - See all my reviews

"The Soul of a Lion" is a very moving account of the life of Dietrich von Hildebrand, one of the most important Catholic theologians of the 20th century. Since it was written by his lovely wife, Alice, she does not pretend to be an unbiased observer. However, while she clearly writes from a heart filled with deep love and affection, she also recounts his mistakes and character faults without attempting to whitewash them.

Some of the highlights of the book include the sections detailing his very cultured, very European uprbringing; his conversion to Catholicism; and his courageous, outspoken opposition to Nazism, resulting in his dangerous escape to America with his family.

My one disappointment with the book is the ending-- Alice von Hildebrand ends her account with his arrival in the United States. This necessarily leaves untold the story of how the first Mrs. von Hildebrand (Gretchen) died, and how Alice had the great good fortune of meeting and eventually marrying Dietrich. Surely this is another moving tale which deserves to be told! Perhaps, someday, a continuation??

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Von Hildebrand was a Fabulous Defender of the Faith!, November 25, 2007

By	Joseph P. Tevington - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This incredible, 2000 book features a forward by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, who subsequently changed jobs!!!

Dietrich Von Hildebrand was anything but a dull, boring academic. As described by his widow, his life was filled with sanctity, romance, heroism, and intrigue. An outspoken opponent of Hitler, he became targeted for assassination. Hunted throughout Europe, he arrived in New York City in 1940, where he taught at Jesuit-run Fordham University until 1960.

Even after retirement, Von Hildebrand maintained ties to Fordham through his protege, the late Dr. William Marra - my own teacher! I am deeply disappointed that I never took the opportunity to hear one of Von Hildebrand's presentations.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read!, February 13, 2009

By	Matthew J. Kosciuk "Matt" (CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is a must read. While I am a practicing Roman Catholic, this book is great for anyone that believes in one GOD! You get both a very interesting insight as to what happened in the early to mid 20th century. Plus a great Theological explanation of why God exists