Gasparo Contarini: Venice, Rome, and Reform

by Elisabeth G. Gleason

Gasparo Contarini (1483-1542) was a major protagonist in the Counter-Reformation of the sixteenth century. A worldly Venetian patrician, he later became an ascetic advocate of Church reform and, as a Catholic cardinal, was sent to the important Colloquy of Regensburg. He failed in his mission to bring about an agreement between Lutherans and Catholics; nevertheless, his life and thought, as well as his friendships with the most vocal proponents of concord, peace, and toleration, make him an impressive and significant historical figure.

In the first biography of Contarini since 1885, Elisabeth Gleason greatly broadens our understanding of the man and his times. As a result, scholars and students will come to see Cardinal Gasparo Contarini as a reminder of alternative concepts of authority and liberty in both church and state.

352 pages, Hardcover

First published August 13, 1993

Reviews

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first modern biography of Contarini; the previous one was from the late 19th century. Gleason makes up for previous neglect by producing a very thorough, nuanced, intelligent, and carefully-researched examination of the great Venetian, focusing on his intellectual influences and political and philosophical ideas. Gleason's prose is clear and readable, and imparts an understanding of Contarini's personality as well as his historical importance. In short, a great book if you happen to be interested in this very specific place and time.

[Frank Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, in full disclosure Dr Gleason was - almost 40 years ago - a professor of mine. She was extraordinary in every way. Learned, worldly, kind, brilliant, inspiring. Which explains this exquisite biography of one of the more fascinating figures of 1500’s. A man who a brilliant diplomat, Cardinal, leader, and thinker. A man who knew and worked with and dined with saints (Notably, St Thomas More). He had a profound impact on the politics of the day and brought a unique perspective to trying to mediate the Lutheran split from Catholicism. To understand the age where Venice was a superpower, where Charles V ruled most of Europe, when Henry VIII defended the faith before seeking to destroy it, this book is a wonderful way to get there.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very complete biography on Contarini. The researches are very precised, and I found the bibliography at the end very helpful. Gleason's work is one of my reference book for my Master thesis.