Religio Medici

In its day, Religio Medici was a best-seller all throughout Europe. Even to this day, it is widely circulated among novelists and writers. The book seems to be a type of personal memoir. In it, Sir Thomas Browne deeply ruminates about, and imaginatively speculates upon, the world. His reflections are often theological--and controversial at that. (The book was eventually banned in the 17th century.) Nevertheless, its possibly irreverent tone is overcome by its brilliance in both context and style. It contains beautiful phrases that express spiritual truths in new and interesting ways. The prose is arcane, and can be difficult to decipher at times. But the editor has provided notes where needed, explaining words and illusions. Besides, half the joy in reading this book is getting lost in the powerful prose. -Tim Perrine, CCEL Staff Writer