Summa Commentary?

[jantoniello]

I know this isn’t technically a philosophical question (OR IS IT?) but I was wondering: Does anyone knew a good commentary on St. Thomas’ Summa Theologica aside from Kreeft’s Summa of the Summa?

 

[Aelred_Minor]

It’s not at all what you are looking for (barely touches on the theological and philosophical content of Aquinas’ writings, in fact), but let me mention that G.K. Chesterton’s biography of St. Thomas Aquinas (called St. Thomas Aquinas- easy to remember!) is an excellent supplement to reading the books by the saint himself. I personally would recommend reading Chesterton’s St. Francis of Assisi first and then St. Thomas Aquinas. They are sometimes published together in one volume, but in reversed order for some reason.

 

[Ghosty]

I heartily second Chesterton’s work. It’s not a step by step summary but it brilliantly explains his thinking. After reading it you’ll have a much easier time with the Summa.

Peace and God bless!

 

[Jim_Baur]

“Aquinas’ Summa” by Edward J. Gratsch

“A Tour of the Summa” by Paul J. Glenn

Adlers’ “Aristotle for Everybody” is good for philosophy.

Good luck!

 

[jantoniello]

Jim, thank you for your help.

Aelred and Ghostly: Thank you for your recommendation. I actually read Chesterton’s work many years ago, which actually got me into St. Thomas. I also own the single volume piece as well. It is interesting to note that Chesterton never read a single work of St. Thomas, as the introduction to St. Thomas points out. Speaks to the genuine genius of Chesterton.

 

[Jim_Baur]

I made a mistake on your post.

I highly recommend Rev. Reginald Garrigou-LaGrande, O. P.

He has many works out there.

I gave you summaries and not commentaries.

There is an entire shipload of commentaries.

I do not know what you want, but LaGrande is excellent.

 

[Aelred_Minor]

Jim, thank you for your help.

Aelred and Ghostly: Thank you for your recommendation. I actually read Chesterton’s work many years ago, which actually got me into St. Thomas. I also own the single volume piece as well. It is interesting to note that Chesterton never read a single work of St. Thomas, as the introduction to St. Thomas points out. Speaks to the genuine genius of Chesterton.

Never read a single work from front to back I guess. I do recall something about him flipping though a few volumes of Aquinas just before dictating his book. Also one must always expect when Chesterton addresses history that there will be some influence from Hilaire Belloc. I certainly agree on the genius of Chesterton though.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Some 50 years ago I got My Way of Life, The Summa Simplified for Everyone, by Walter Farrell, O.P.,S.T.M. and Martin, J. Healy, S.T.D. I haven’t read the Summa so don’t know how well this conveys the Summa. I have found it useful when I wanted an explanation of something, but have never read it all. Have just started now doing a bit each night. It is readable and understandable.

 

[Jim_Baur]

Farrell has “A Companion to the Summa” also.

For a person who likes to read but does not have the philosophical and theological experience, I think Adler’s “Aristotle for Everybody” and any of the summaries are helpful. But as always, it depends on the individual’s tastes and background.

Perhaps the fastest way, google it.

 

[paduard]

Farrell has “A Companion to the Summa” also.

For a person who likes to read but does not have the philosophical and theological experience, I think Adler’s “Aristotle for Everybody” and any of the summaries are helpful. But as always, it depends on the individual’s tastes and background.

Perhaps the fastest way, google it.

Yes, you can download Farrell - it is in two volumes - alternatively go to Dominican House of Studies Washington, D. C., from whence I understand Farrell issued it.