A Translation: With Introduction and Notes of Nicholas of Cusa, De Concordantia Catholica

FAIN: FA-10233-70

Paul E. Sigmund
Princeton University (Princeton, NJ 08540-5228)

Preparation of English translation of 15th century Latin work of political theory, De Concordantia Catholica, written by Nicholas of Cusa at the time of the Council of Basel (1433). A 474-page definitive Latin text, recently published in German (Hamburg, 1959-64) used as a basis of translation; extensive introduction and explanatory footnotes. Central theme of Concordantia is relation of authority and freedom in church and state. Nicholas of Cusa one of first theorists to make consent the basis for the legitimacy of political and relgious authority. Work relates directly to current controversies within Roman Catholic Church but also considers more general topics such as representation, consent, equality, and freedom in political as well as ecclesiastical structures. Fellow has spent 15 years of intensive research on Nicholas of Cusa, including a book, Nicholas of Cusa and Medieval Political Thought (1963) and several articles on the subject. Has experience in translation in connection with 3 editions of collected readings.