The King's Good Servant but God's First : The Life and Writings of Saint Thomas More

Interesting to read what he wrote and thought. This man gave his life for his beliefs.

James Monti's work, "The Kings Good Servant But God's First," provides an excellent overview St Thomas More's life and writings; but a much greater focus is based upon his writings. Monti's treatment of More's oeuvre is skillfully researched, comprehensive, informative, and pleasing to read. St Thomas More's defense of Church unity and the Sacraments against Tyndale and the rising tide of the Reformation, is finely commented upon in a clear and concise fashion. His devotional writings and correspondence with family in the waning days of his life on earth, are given an exceptional touch of intimacy, which will no doubt compel readers to seek out works such as the "Treatise upon the Passion" and the "Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation" (as one of our fellow reviews has pointed out as well). As for More's life, Monti pays particular attention to his early years and his final days, with brief expositions in between on his rise in the King's court and his later relations with Henry VIII as tensions began to swell between the English monarch and the Papacy. Overall, Monti presents a noble sketch of the Christian scholar and family man, graced with charm and good humor, conscientiousness and candor, who was devoted to his friends and family, and to the salvation of souls and Christ's Church. This book offers much material for in-depth study and further reading, and it is a definite recommendation.

An excellent, well-researched, well-written biography of More, that expertly weaves More's thought with the story of his life. More's life was marked by his defense of the Catholic faith - and this book takes up that defense anew, with More's own words. Though to some, it may be seen as overly kind, it is important to keep in mind that, written as a direct response to Marius' biography (which some readers, particularly Catholics may find strains, though Marius himself admits unsuccessfully, to paint More in an overly negative light), Monti's book reminds us why the Catholic Church considers More a Saint: much more than because of his martyrdom, but also because of his unyielding defense of the Church in his works, writings, and flawed but holy life. You could hardly find a higher quality work if you are looking for the whole picture of More, of both his life and his life's work.

This is a book by a Roman Catholic, about a Roman Catholic, from a Roman Catholic publishing house, and many of the reviews express surprise that it's so parochial and even partisan.Duh.The value of this book over another biography of Thomas More — and I presume you're interested in More, if you're looking at this book, and even more so if you're reading this review — is that it integrates biography with belief. That is, it describes that man — "the king's good servant but God's first," as More said of himself — through a focused account of *aspects* of his life (his writing, for instance, or how he constituted his household) ... plus ... the actual text of some of that writing: i.e., his belief.It's not a step-by-step biography — those exist already — but a Roman Catholic book about a Roman Catholic man. And it is, not surprisingly, absolutely filled with Roman Catholic doctrine and practice.

I am about halfway through this book, despite purchasing it only a few days ago. It is such a terrific read, I can't put it down. I even bring it to work with me to read whenever I have a few spare minutes!For those of you who might find history boring, this is still the text for you. Monti's style of writing is outstanding and easy to follow. This book is one of my all-time favorites.Most importantly, it provides a fair and objective portrayal of Saint Thomas More. Many books have a bias, one way or the other, when writing about More or 16th century England yet it's tough to find one in this book. Furthermore, Monti doesn't focus simply on More, but gives the reader a fair portrayal of the Reformation during this crucial period in European history.More's life is simply fascinating - it reads like a novel. His genius and profound morality is clear. Upon reading this book, More is the type of man one would want to know, and the kind we wish (!) there were more of in modern-day society. It is an extremely inspirational book.

I made this purchase two years ago as a research aide for a project for a college course. For the segment on Sir Thomas More, it was all I needed and saved me from having to file through several online sources for conflicting info and questionable citations. James Monti is a true scholar and it shows in his work. Anybody interested in King Henry VIII, Catholic/British history, or even the notions of civil disobedience ought to read this.

In our heroless age it is invigorating to read the words of one man of another age who refused to sacrifice his conscience for the convenience of the state. This book adeptly weaves Thomas More's life with his writings, so that one can see the progress of his thoughts as the events of the final years of his life overtook him. It left me wanting to read the original works, most especially A Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation. I believe this book is invaluable for anyone wanting to really know more about this saint or about that period in English History.

This book came in pristine condition in a timely manner. The book is a great analysis of one of the most famous Catholic saints. The writing style is engaging and concise. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an expert discussion about Thomas More's life, writings, history of his life, and how his faith played the central role in the culminating events of his life.

It is a very informed and detailed book.