Aristotle's Children

How Christian, Muslims and Jews Rediscovered Ancient Wisdom

By: Richard E. Rubenstein

Narrated by: Nelson Runger

Length: 13 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Best-selling author Richard E. Rubenstein brings the past to life in this engrossing story of social, religious, and scientific revolution during one of the darkest periods in European history. When a group of Dark Ages scholars rediscovered the works of Aristotle, the great thinker's ideas ignited a firestorm of enlightened thought. This is the endlessly fascinating account of the pivotal period in history when the modern era took root.

©2003 Richard E. Rubenstein (P)2003 Recorded Books

Why we think the way we do.

This book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants insight into the sources of modern thought.
The author is very effective in developing the bridge between ancient philosophers and present political behaviors. It develops the rich history of the role of Islam in the evolution of western thought.

A Good

You never know how an audiobook will go. Some look interesting and turn out to be a complete waste of time. This is not one of those. I have avoided philosophy for years, but it's presented very well here. I am not very familiar with this period of history, so I have been listening to each chapter twice. In fact, I feel very connected to the medieval people as a result of this book. They were very real, with very real thoughts and ideas that we still use today.

Aristotle's reception through the ages.

Very well done! If you like this kind of history--following one thread through history to see the role it plays in the panorama of culture, politics and society--you'll like this very much. This is a story of reason--in the form of Aristotle's life and work--in European history (up to the Renaissance). It's serious, entertaining without giving the complexity of the subject matter short shrift, well-written and well-narrated; however, if you don't like history, or if you just want a quick cruise through the middle ages, this book will bore you.

Interesting story of the rediscovery of Aristotle

This is a well-written narrative of how the rediscovery of Aristotle's writings in the West (they were never really lost in the East) around 1150 to 1200 had a huge effect on Western thinking. If you are interested in ethics, history of religion, the early Middle Ages, or simply want to be understand the relationship between Greek Civilization and Western Civilization, this is a great book. Because it goes into some depth on Aristotle and philosophy, it takes some patience to get through. However, this was the most entertaining overview of this rather dry topic I have come across. Much of this may be old news to historians and philosophers, but the overall story of how Aristotle's key writings were lost and then rediscovered and the effect this had on university life around 1200 to 1250 is fascinating. Highly recommended.

Excellent survey

This book delivers exactly what it promises. The subject is difficult and the author makes it as lively as it can be, very well written. It helps to have basic background in 13th century European history, many of the main characters and events from the period are discussed within the context of the books subject revealing interesting stories and details. It helps to have a hard copy and take certain theological passages slowly, pausing to digest, not a good car book IMO. Overall, he de-mystifies the process that took place from re-discovery of Aristotle to the split of theology and reason. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in medieval history, and/or theology.

Fascinating, but easy to put down

I'm not a big philosophy buff, but I am interested in the subject, particularly how it impacted theology in this period. I'm also a history nerd, so this tied in well with at least two of my major interests.

That said, I found myself wanting the book to be over. I'm glad I finished it--academically--but I wasn't as entertained as I am with many audio non-fiction works.

Still, I enjoyed it. Worth a credit if your interests so lean.

Outstanding

This is not an easy listen, even if you are familiar with Aristotle and some of the main 'players.' It commands your full attention and is worth it! An excellent synthesis and interpretation of the interplay between spirit and reason from antiquity on. I keep recommending this book to my friends so I'll have people to discuss it with--it's that good.

Great description of a complicated subject

What did you love best about Aristotle's Children?

The author gives a nuanced description of the turmoil that the rediscovery of Aristotle's works created in medieval universities. His depiction of the situation is never simplistic, always nuanced and surprisingly easy to follow for the uninitiated. The battle between faith and reason that raged at the time is so unbelievably similar to present day debates over the very same issue that it makes this book a most fascinating "read".

Interesting, if a little bit one-sided

Lots of interesting information, particularly in regards to medieval Europe and the Catholic Church. However, very little mention is made of the Jewish and Muslim relationships with Aristotelian ideas. The narrator also leaves a bit to be desired. Still, a fascinating read for those interested in the intellectual history of Western Europe during the Middle Ages.

Not really Children...but Child....Christianity.

Any additional comments?

It was an excellent book on the Scholasticism of the middle ages and its players. I learned a lot about people I had always heard of but not read their works. My only disappointment was it did not really delve into the effects of Aristotle's teaching on Judaism and Islam in any depth.