God's Philosophers by James Hannam

This book was a revelation. It is accessible, beautifully written, exhaustively researched and perfectly paced. However, above and beyond all of that it is one of the most even handed, objective and cool headed pieces of work on medieval society I have even come across.

The stories it tells are fascinating but the Story it tells is immensely important - exploring the nature of knowledge and thought across Europe and across centuries of time always focussed on understanding the culture and time within which characters existed. For sure, the people he discusses lived fruity, outrageous, contemplative and profound lives but if there's one thing Hannam makes certain of - it's that we don't think they were just like us but without iPhones.

I know a little of the theology and scientific thought of the time. I'm familiar with concepts such as nominalism and holism, The Philosopher and his ilk, but Hannam's triumph is in bringing them alive with such splendid vigour I feel I know them better even while I am forced to acknowledge that these hugely important thinkers and explorers existed in a time and culture I barely comprehend.

Even his asides, such as stories about the Inquisitions, Galileo's suicidal arrogance (coupled with well documented plagiarism and lying) thrill. I'm not a history buff by any stretch, typically preferring my non-fiction either more pure or current in scope, but this is easily one of my favourite books of the year.

Highly recommended.