<i>Poesia e Teologia in Giovanni Scoto l’Eriugena</i> (review)
Cesare Catá
Reviewed by: Poesia e Teologia in Giovanni Scoto l’Eriugena Cesare Catá l’Eriugena. By Filippo Colnago. [Biblioteca di Cultura Romanobarbarica, 11.] (Rome: Herder Editrice Libreria. 2009. Pp. viii, 401. €48,00 paperback. ISBN 978-8-889-670-8-4.) John Scotus Eriugena represents a fundamental step the development of Western philosophy and culture; his work can be considered as crucial junction Hellenic neo-Platonic tradition medieval Christian philosophy. In despite historical role, several aspects Eriugena’s theoretical system are still not by philosophical historiography. Colnago’s book is precious extremely comprehensive hermeneutical instrument that allows readers to understand explore one most hidden but fascinating work: poetical production. The organized two parts. first part an extensive careful clarification background which poetry was conceived. This seen sort large introduction second one, developed main argument book: theological value poetry. essay structured like progressive zoom on theme analysis. introductory composed three chapters, author explores historical-cultural Carolingian Age, respective theological-intellectual debate, finally profile Eriugena. chapter describes Age renaissance cultural period, particularly court Charles Bald, where spent central life. exposition methodology research description principal disputations—the questions Eucharist predestination—that arguments famous works. third biographical delineated through exhaustive study life, writings, themes. close examination (his Carmen). morphological problems transmission authenticity critical available ancient editions texts; this necessary philological how codices what we read [End Page 576] autographs were transmitted modernity. develops specific textual analysis sections Carmen explaining themes linguistic lyrical lines. examines proposes clever comparison with same fourth chapter, explains sources, language, style Colnago considers literary, biblical, patristic sources texts offers intriguing peculiar metrical approaching question Latin language Carmen, also sets forth intelligent perspective “mysterious” perfect knowledge Greek language. From point view, relevant part, deep noting disclosed Trinity, Christology, Creatio ex nihilo, Incarnation, Resurrection, Ascensus human soul, Angelology (essential topics entire culture) find interesting moment reflection. According tradition, absconditus, or hidden, reveals deeper truth. system, for better understanding thought and, wider perspective, useful reflect hermeutical relationship between culture. merit twofold. On hand...
Catholic Historical Review