Customer Reviews

Out of the Flames: The Remarkable Story of a Fearless Scholar, a Fatal Heresy, and One of the Rarest Books in the World

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4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

The story of Michael Servetus is one that every free-thinking human being should know--it is both inspiring and thought provoking. The narrow minded individuals that led to his demise have many present day counterparts. There are many lessons to be learned from this book.

Well well well, what a timely book is this! If you thought political correctness was something new, read this book to discover how the real pros operated before the introduction of science.

Mind you, the anti-liberal (in the proper use of this term, not the American usage) forces are hard at work today as well. In Britain, we no longer burn folks at the stake, we put them on the 'National Register' or accuse them of 'hate crime'. You don't need to physically kill people anymore, there are other ways to eliminate heresy.

If you think I'm just messing around, ask yourself this: how would you be punished today for voicing an unpopular opinion? Would you be ignored? Would someone debate with you and make you look foolish? Or would you be fired from your job, be attacked by hungry lawyers, have your windows smashed, or even go to prison?

Many books are banned in Europe today. In America, the 'Scopes Trial' is not that far in the past. Canada recently flirted with metaphorical crime (arguing that fictional rape was equivalent to real rape). France has banned 'controversial' items being sold on Yahoo. The UK has banned certain comic books. In America, to criticize Israel (the government of the nation-state) is frequently misunderstood as criticism of Judaism (the religion). A normal, regular couple in England almost went to prison for taking photos of their kids playing in the bath (they were spared because they were employed at a large media company that came to their rescue).

Okay, now go back to the 16th century and join the authors Goldstone in their remarkable tale of the last three surviving copies of a book by one Michael Servetus, doctor, philosopher, theologian, who was burned at the stake (with the help of one John Calvin - yes that Calvin, the father of Puritanism) because he dared to suggest that the ecclesiastical scholars of the day were perhaps not as well read as they should be.

Oh, but that was the 16th century. Today, of course, anyone can hold any opinion on the Holocaust (even deny it ever happened) or colonialism (even saying it was a wonderful idea) or the Confederate flag (even arguing that it is a symbol of liberty) without any fear of assault or punishment. That's because we have freedom of speech now, right? We use logic and words, not laws and bullyboy tactics, right? No one would dream of blowing up an abortion clinic.

As well as being very relevant, this book is a joy to read. The language is clear and modern, and it appears well researched. The bit on Calvin is sublime (yup, he really was a pain ...; Mike Bloomberg take note of Calvin's Geneva). Equally interesting is the history of books (printed books since 1455). If you think the internet is pretty cool, check out the printing press.

Most important of all, this book is refreshing in its originality and scope. With all the grunge that is published these days, it is a real thrill to read something as informative and cogent as this little gem. Hats off to the Goldstones, I wish them every success with future investigations and literary pursuits.

This is an excellent book, it gave us a compact and well written story about Miguel Servet and Calvino.
Miguel Servet was assasinated for his way of thinking, again we have another great thinker killed because of his written thoughts
It is fast paced and not only gave us the story but also a brief analysis of the political and religious situation of the era and the repercutions on the future
Well done Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone

If it were possible, I would give this book "0 stars" - maybe even a negative rating!

This book claims to be an "extraordinary story providing testament to the power of ideas, the enduring legacy of books, and the triumph of individual courage" - nothing is farther from the truth. Servetus was a heretic, denying such foundational beliefs as the trinity. It is one thing to examine his life and work out of historical interest, it is quite another to hold him up as a hero.

What is most disappointing about this book is not so much its historical inaccuracy but its hidden agenda. The authors have tried to hold up Servetus as something he was not in a less than hidden attempt to discredit the ministry of John Calvin, seeking to make him out to be a brutal tyrant in Geneva. The authors disagree with Calvin's theology and instead of arguing against him from Scripture, they resort to attacking his character. How shameful! This is exactly what we see from the world; disciples of Jesus Christ should be better than this!

Of course, Calvin's theology is often a controversial subject with many. That's fine! Study the Scriptures, debate the theology, talk to one another, letting "iron sharpen iron." But let's be honest with history. I happen to be one who holds to the more "calvinist undertsanding of the Bible" - I still find great value in the life and ministry of great men like John Wesley. I do not need to attack their character do justify not agreeing with their theology. Let's keep the debate focused on Scripture and not side step the issues by vilifying a man's character.

If you are truly interested in the historical account of Calvin's life and Servetus' death, do not buy this book. Spend your money on a good biography like those written by Beza, Wendel, McGrath, or Stickelberger.

The husband-and-wife writing team of Nancy and Lawrence Goldstone deliver a delightful history of Michael Servetus and the book that got him killed -- a volume considered so infamous that all copies were ordered destroyed. Only three copies are still known to exist, making it one of the most valuable books in existence. The authors bring to life the man and his times, discussing religion, science, literature and history as well as Leibniz, Voltaire, Calvin, Priestley and Osler, incorporating a vast array of knowledge as they tell the story of a genius and his tragic end.

There are a fair number of illustrations, a bibliography and an index.

A testament to the fickleness of fortune this book reads like a detective story for bibliophiles of every stripe. If you are interested in the history of ideas or just love books, this book is for you.

This book reads a bit like a mystery, a bit like a biography, and very much like a history of the life and times of several of the "greats" we all hear about. The interplay between Servitus and Calvin is of particular interest. Certainly, this book would give anyone a better understanding of the times, but in particular, Unitarian Universalists will find an important part of their history in these pages.

This was a great book that finally gives credit to one of the overlooked figures of history. If you weren't aware of Michael Servetus, then 99.9% of the population are your brethren. This book explores not only his theological genius, but also examines his invaluable contributions in fields as widely varied as medicine and cartography. His long lasting impact on our political and religious life is also explained in fascinating (and well documented) detail. The authors are gifted historians.

It is this strength that also becomes the sole weakness of the book. The authors endeavor to capture the full historical context of the world in which Servetus lived. However, too much marginally relevant context is introduced, which in some cases served to detract from an otherwise great read.

The Goldstones have written another wonderful book. The story of Michael Servetus and his books is masterfully told. The life, work and period of Servetus come alive. A great work on an obscure, but important figure in history. The twists and turns, deceit, treachery and conflict all play out in the life of Servetus who escaped the Inquisition only to be burned at the stake by Calvin along with all the copies of his last book. But, his last book survives not completely destroyed by Calvin. The story of the remaining copies of the rarest book in the world is as interesting as the life of Servetus himself. Servetus has also left lasting legacies, which make him an important figure in both religious and medical history.

Although halfway through the book he is dead and gone (no spoiler here: the book begins with his execution, then flashes back for a while) the spirit of Michael Survetus haunts these pages throughout. His spirit is at the center of OUT OF THE FLAMES.

OUT OF THE FLAMES is intellectual but accessible; a mystery of history, true and compelling. If you like mystery, history, religious disputation, books (or any cobination of the four) you should find this book fascinating. The Goldstones imbue their research with their own enthusiasms, and it can be a happily infectious experience.

Perhaps more to the point, there is a timeliness about this book. Its themes of questioning absolutes and religious reform resound tellingly these days, and readers abreast of current events in the Catholic Church today will find much within that resonates with relevance. The emphasis on intellectual survival which underlies OUT OF THE FLAMES speaks to us all, and its unstated lesson might just be: "the more things change, the more they stay the same."

There is a delightful passion to the writing in this book. It puts faces to the past, and real personalities to those faces. OUT OF THE FLAMES is peopled with characters (from JohnCalvin to Voltaire) who, while not always likeable, are true, and are all the more powerfully drawn for that honesty. A stubborn, irrascible, intransigent character who nevertheless was fervently dedicated to truth, Michael Servetus would have been pleased.

It is well worth reading.