"Thomas More" the humanist. "Sir Thomas More" the statesman. "Saint Thomas More" the martyr. Who was Thomas More? Which characterization of him is most true? Despite these multiple images and the problems of More's true identity, Travis Curtright uncovers a continuity of interests and, through interdisciplinary contexts, presents one Thomas More.
The One Thomas More carefully studies the central humanist and polemical texts written by More to illustrate a coherent development of thought. Focusing on three major works from More's humanist phase, The Life of Pico, The History of Richard III, and Utopia, Curtright demonstrates More's idea of humanitas and his corresponding program of moderate political reform. Curtright then shows how More's later polemical theology and defense of the ecclesiastical courts were a continuation of his commitments rather than a break from them. Finally, More's prison letters are examined. His self-presentation in these letters is compared with other recent and iconic versions, such as those in Robert Bolt's Man for All Seasons and Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall. Instead of a divided mind emerging, Curtright ably shows More's integrity and consistency of thought.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Travis Curtright, is a fellow of the Center for Thomas More Studies at the University of Dallas, associate professor of literature at Ave Maria University, and coeditor of
Shakespeare's Last Plays: Essays in Politics and Literature.PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:
"Travis Curtright has now added to the luster of the real More's legacy with his excellent new book The One Thomas More."--Charles J. Chaput, Archbishop of Philadelphia, in Public Discourse
"Travis Curtright does a fine job fusing St. Thomas More's 'humanist credo' and 'his later polemical theology.'"--The Catholic Historical Review
"The One Thomas More is a much needed work of daring."--First Things
"Travis Curtright has realized a masterful synthesis that provides the strongest case to date for seeing More's life and writings as a consistent whole."--Moreana
"In this lucid and well-written work, Curtright restores the unity of More's life and thought against 'revisionist' critics who insist on two Mores--the humanist and the increasingly fanatical statesman and martyr. Curtright succeeds in integrating More's writings and public actions, showing that his humanist writings were informed by a Christian humanism that is perfectly consistent with his later deeds and affirmations."--Daniel J. Mahoney, Augustine Chair in Distinguished Scholarship, Assumption College
"The One Thomas More is a convincing reappraisal of Thomas More's life and writings, coming after decades of contradictory critiques. Also of importance are Curtright's insights into aspects of More that have so far remained marginal in scholarship, such as More the moralist or More the philosopher, which here complete a portrait of the sixteenth century statesman, author and polemicist, in a particularly comprehensive study."--Marie-Claire Ph lippeau, Editor of Moreana
"Thomas More's reputation has undergone a reversal of fortune in recent years. According to the late Geoffrey Elton, a prominent Tudor historian, More as saintly man of conscience, represented in Robert Bolt's A Man for All Seasons (1960), was a myth. Elton presented More as just another conniving politician, a view popularized in Hilary Mantel's novel Wolf Hall (2009). As More's reputation declined, that of More's nemesis Thomas Cromwell ascended. Curtright (Univ. of Dallas) has taken on the daunting task of restoring More's reputation and demonstrating consistency in his life and thought. His key text is not Utopia, the usual starting point of More scholarship, but instead More's Life of Pico . C
