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Stunning Introduction to the Complex Medieval Theory of 'Universals'
"It is easy to motivate the problem of universals.Consider these two capital letters: A A. Ignore everything else about them and for now observe only that they are of the same color; they are both black.... Isn't it obvious that you see two colors here, two blacknesses: the blackness of the first A, this blackness, and then the blackness of the second A, that blackness?... But aren't they visually as distinct as the two letters themselves?... The problem of universals is in effect the problem of deciding between these answers" (pg vii).

The reason I included this long quote is to show how wonderful Paul Vincent Spade's introduction is for this quote illustrates in a nutshell the underling problem of Universals in a clear and precise way (the actual writers on the theory never manage to explain themselves this precisely).The importance of clarity and concise analysis is vital since the Medieval dialogue about the nature of Universals is complex, sometimes excruciatingly difficult, and an introduction which lays out the basic premises and questions is the first step of comprehension!Also, the introduction briefly summarizes each text EXCERPT and their author present in the volume.Portions from Porhyry's 'Isagoge,' Boethius 'Second Commentary on Porphyry's Isagoge,' Peter Abelard's Glosses on Porphyry in his 'Logica 'ingredientibus,'' John Duns Scotus 'Ordinatio,' and William of Ockham's 'Ordinatio' are in the volume.These excerpts trace in chronological order the main philosophers involved with the question of Universals starting with the questions posed by Porphyry.

The introduction and Excerpts form an amazing (yet still somewhat difficult) text for a student interested in Medieval Philosophy.However, volume's wonderful index of the main terms is a great tool for easy clarification and reference.This is simply an invaluable resource and a great starting point for the study of the Medieval problem of Universals! ... Read more

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"...A Companion to Boethian Poetics."
This is a work of literary scholarship which shows us Gerard O' Daly's deep affiliation and understanding of the poetry of Boethius, and also that of his prose.O' Daly places Boethius within the treasured traditions of Latin Poetry and Greek Neo-Platonism, and explains how the scholar reshaped these traditional models--literary and philosophical--to fit new and original contexts throughout hismasterpiece, the Consolation of Philosophy.Without this work there would be a great and unfortunate void to the interpretation and appreciation of Boethius' poetry.This truly is a companion to Boethian Poetics. ... Read more

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James Harpur argues for the reappraisal of Boethius as poet with his imaginative treatment of the poems from The Consolation of Philosophy. His free versions and persuasive introduction encourage their reading as a coherent sequence outside their original context in a work of prose and verse.

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"A Companion to the Consolation of Philosophy"
Seth Lerer's critical study of the literary method employed in Boethius' masterpiece, "The Consolation of Philosophy," will act as a companion to this golden volume, and it will open new insights on the text that previous readers undoubtedly never caught before.Lerer begins by explaining the historical context in which the "Consolation" was written, then moves on to discuss the major influences behind the writings of Boethius--namely Cicero, Augustine, Fulgentius, and Seneca--and finally analyses the contents of the philosophers' theological tractates and the "Consolation" itself.In this study, Lerer ultimately demonstrates the methodological and thematic coherence of the "Consolation."He also plots out Boethius' work in terms of the narrative's progress, which is written in prose and verse, and displays how he consistently rewrites earlier portions of the text into new contexts along the way to measure out the text's progress.In a word, Lerer reveals the teacher student relationship between the personified Lady Philosophy and the learner Boethius, while demonstrating how the student progresses as the narrative proceeds.This is a valuable piece of literary theory, and it will be warmly welcomed by anyone interested in the literature of the classical world. ... Read more

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tr from Latin into diverse historical Englishings ... Read more

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true wisdom
This book is pure unaduterated wisdom and spiritual insight.A must read. ... Read more

Book Description
This collection seeks to locate the Boece within the medievaltradition of the academic study and translation of the Consolatiophilosophiae/, thereby relating the work to the intellectual culturewhich made it possible. It begins with the fullest study yet undertakenof the Boethius commentary of Nicholas Trevet, this being a majorsource of the Boece. There follow editions and translationsof the major passages in Trevet's commentary where Neoplatonic issuesare confronted, then Chaucer's debt to Trevet is assessed in a detailedreview. The many choices which faced Chaucer as a translator are indicated and the Boeceis placed in a long line of interpreters of Boethius in which both Latin commentators and vernacular translators played their parts. Finally, a view is offered of the Boece as anexample of late-medieval `academic translation': if the Boeceis assigned to this genre, it may be judged a considerable success. ... Read more

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An Excellent Translation With Very Useful Notes, And A Life Of Boethius,Drawn Up With Great Accuracy And Fidelity. ... Read more

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"De Topicis Differentiis: A Much-Needed Text"
Prior to Eleanore Stump's rendition of Boethius' De Topicis Differentiis, this text was only to be found in the massive collection of manuscripts compiled by the great J.P. Migne entitled Patrologia Latina.So this edition is ground-breaking to say the least.In this much-needed work, Stump has provided philosophers, students and scholars with the first text translated outside the original Latin.In part one, Stump presents a concise and insightful introduction with extensive notes covering points addressed by Boethius throughout the treatise.Also, in part two, Stump provides a detailed analyses of Dialectic in Ancient and Medieval Logic, which ultimately proves the important role Boethius played in the transfer of knowledge from the ancient to the medieval period.At last it must be noted that the reading found here is anything but elementary; it is not recommended for anyone who has no former experience with the study of logic.Eleanore Stump herself explains in the intro that Boethius' work is highly advanced.Students are recommended to either cultivate patience and perserverance in order to tackle the nature of this text, or else they should consult their mentor or professor for guidance.Overall, this work is a treasure brought out from oblivion, which is now accessible for anyone seeking a greater understanding of the study of dialectic or in the influence of the great philosopher Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius. ... Read more

Product Description
This Elibron Classics book is a facsimile reprint of a 1868 edition by N. Trübner & Co., London. ... Read more