Richard Hooker has long been viewed as one of England's great theological and political writers. When he died, however, at the end of the sixteenth century, his writings had proved to be something of a damp squib. This book examines, against the background of the political and religious crises of the seventeenth century, how he came to rise from comparative obscurity to be regarded as a universal authority. It will be seen how an unintended alliance of Reformed Protestants, suspicious of Hooker, and Catholics, anxious to exploit his perceived sympathies, led to his establishment as a distinctive, well-regarded English writer. Whilst the boundaries of Hooker's comprehensiveness have expanded and contracted in response to particular situations, the belief that he is an important writer has remained remarkably constant ever since.

About the Author
Michael Brydon is Assistant Curate of St Peter's, Bexhill-on-Sea.

Reviews
Brydon has provided a fascinating account of the early formative evolution of Hooker's reputation that will be interest to a wide range of potential readers. * Nigel Voak, Journal of Ecclesiastical History *
This book fills the gap and is to be commended * Church Times *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199204816
Author Michael Brydon
Format Hardback
Page Count 244
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 411g
Dimensions(mm) 223mm * 145mm * 18mm