Garry Wills Livres

New York Times–bestselling author Garry Wills provides a provocative analysis of the theological and historical basis for the priesthood In a riveting and provocative tour de force from the author of What Jesus Meant, Pulitzer Prize winner Garry Wills poses the challenging question: Why did the priesthood develop in a religion that began without it and, indeed, was opposed to it? Why Priests? argues brilliantly and persuasively for a radical re-envisioning of the role of the church as the Body of Christ and for a new and better understanding of the very basis of Christian belief. As Wills emphasizes, the stakes for the writer and the church are high, for without the priesthood there would be no belief in an apostolic succession, the real presence in the Eucharist, the sacrificial interpretation of the Mass, and the ransom theory of redemption. This superb study of the origins of the priesthood stands as Wills’s towering achievement and will be of interest to all inquiring minds, believers and non-believers alike.

The book offers a provocative analysis of Richard Nixon, suggesting that he may be viewed as a liberal despite his controversial presidency. It explores Nixon's opinions amid a tumultuous period in American history, marked by a misguided war in Asia and a disillusioned youth. The narrative delves into the complexities of Nixon's leadership and the broader implications for the American political landscape, making it both an entertaining and essential read for understanding the challenges faced by the nation during his administration.

This book explores the transformative impact of the atomic bomb on American democracy, highlighting how this pivotal event reshaped political dynamics, public perception, and national identity. It delves into the interplay between science, politics, and society, revealing the profound implications of nuclear power on governance and civic engagement. Through a critical lens, the author analyzes the moral and ethical dilemmas posed by nuclear arms, offering insights into the lasting effects on democratic principles and practices in the United States.

In a masterly work, Garry Wills shows how Lincoln reached back to the Declaration of Independence to write the greatest speech in the nation’s history. The power of words has rarely been given a more compelling demonstration than in the Gettysburg Address. Lincoln was asked to memorialize the gruesome battle. Instead he gave the whole nation “a new birth of freedom” in the space of a mere 272 words. His entire life and previous training and his deep political experience went into this, his revolutionary masterpiece. By examining both the address and Lincoln in their historical moment and cultural frame, Wills breathes new life into words we thought we knew, and reveals much about a president so mythologized but often misunderstood. Wills shows how Lincoln came to change the world and to effect an intellectual revolution, how his words had to and did complete the work of the guns, and how Lincoln wove a spell that has not yet been broken.

From one of America's foremost historians, Inventing America compares Thomas Jefferson's original draft of the Declaration of Independence with the final, accepted version, thereby challenging many long-cherished assumptions about both the man and the document. Although Jefferson has long been idealized as a champion of individual rights, Wills argues that in fact his vision was one in which interdependence, not self-interest, lay at the foundation of society. "No one has offered so drastic a revision or so close or convincing an analysis as Wills has . . . The results are little short of astonishing" (Edmund S. Morgan New York Review of Books ).

Martial, renowned for his sharp wit and keen observations, critiques the vices of Roman society and its leaders through his masterful epigrams. This English translation preserves the cleverness and brevity of his original work, allowing readers to fully appreciate his satirical brilliance. Celebrated for its engaging style, the collection offers a scholarly yet playful exploration of themes that resonate through time, making it an enticing read and a cheeky gift option.

The book offers a transformative exploration of Paul, challenging and redefining preconceived notions about him. It promises to engage readers who have been curious about his character, providing a compelling introduction that reveals deeper insights and complexities. Expect an exhilarating journey that strips away familiar perceptions and invites a fresh understanding of Paul.

The book offers a profound and accessible examination of four significant texts that illuminate the life and death of Jesus. It engages with historical context and theological insights, making complex ideas approachable for readers. This exploration not only enhances understanding of Jesus' impact but also provokes thought about the broader implications of these writings. Its blend of scholarship and readability makes it a noteworthy contribution to religious literature.

Covering a crucial period in American history, this collection of essays delves into significant cultural and political topics from 1968 to 1982. Garry Wills examines figures such as Richard Nixon, Muhammad Ali, and Ronald Reagan, providing insightful commentary on events like the Vietnam War and the influence of Pope John Paul II. With a new preface, the work showcases Wills' unique perspective and intellectual depth, making it essential reading for those interested in the complexities of American life during this transformative era.

Bestselling author Wills showcases Henry Adams little-known but seminal studyof the early United States, and draws from it fresh insights on the paradoxesthat roil America to this day.