Meister Eckhart

Starred review from January 1, 2016

Renowned German philosopher Flasch (emeritus, philosophy, Ruhr Univ. Bochum) is a notable author in his own country yet is all but unknown in the United States. In this first English-language translation of his writing, he studies 14th-century theologian, philosopher, and mystic Meister Eckhart (1260-1328). Eckhart is famous for being notoriously difficult but also inspiring; historians and seekers have long been intrigued by his approach and insights. Flasch argues for an understanding of Eckhart not simply as a mystic but further as a considerable and proper philosophical mind. Flasch's knowledge of Christian theology and philosophy gives his argument solid grounding as well as providing an exhaustive yet thoughtful reading of Eckhart himself. VERDICT This work must be ranked as one of the most important studies of Eckhart to date and should give rise to revisions in our understanding of theology and philosophy in the period. Best for academic libraries and theologians.

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