Herren's goal is to shed light on how ancient Greek developments paved the way for the 'open, pluralistic society' of the West today. Hence the main target of the book is a highly topical one: the 'persistence and growth of fundamentalist belief systems in our own times,' in counterpoint with secular forms of modern intellectual engagement with the biggest questions posed by life, and the 'new phenomenon' of a proselytizing atheism. The book resists obvious
comparison or competitors, and the length, style, and general tone will work very well with undergraduates especially. A strong recommendation."-John Magee, University of Toronto
Michael Herren, B.A. (Claremont), M.S.L. (Pontifical Institute of Medieval Studies), Ph.D. (Classics, Toronto), has published and lectured widely on the Latin literature and culture of late antiquity and the early Middle Ages. His work includes critical editions and translations, the history of texts, medieval mythography, and the study of Greek in the Middle Ages. He continues to teach and supervise students at York University and the University of
Toronto.