De Gestis Concilii Basiliensis Commentariorum

The De Gestis Concilii Basiliensis Commentariorum is a lively, first-hand narrative of the turning-point in the affairs of the Council of Basle written by Aeneas Sylvius (later Pope Pius II) during his unregenerate conciliar period. It provides us with an important contemporary account of the personalities and principles involved in the election of the anti-pope Felix V. Originally published in 1967, this volume has now been revised by Denys Hay and reissued by the Oxford University Press. The material is interesting both for its insight into the dogma and politics of the church and for its style, which aims at Ciceronian diction and grammar but also preserves several distinctive features of medieval style.

This lively, first-hand narrative of the turning-point in the affairs of the Council of Basle was written by Aeneas Sylvius (later Pope Pius II) during his unregenerate conciliar period. It provides us with an important contemporary account of the personalities and principles involved in the election of the anti-pope Felix V. Originally published in 1967, this volume offers the first critical edition and English translation of this work. Unavailable in recent years, it has now been revised by Denys Hay and reissued by the Oxford University Press. Review: 'The material is interesting both for its insight into the dogma and politics of the church and for its style, which aims at Ciceronian diction and grammar but also preserves several distinctive features of medieval style.' Seventeenth-Century News, Spring/Summer 1994 'a major work of one of the most colourful and representative figures, politically and religiously, of the fifteenth century ... The translators convey the spirit and vitality of Aeneas which so captivates the reader in the original.' Catholic Historical Review 'This is an excellent critical edition and translation ... with a useful introduction by Professor Hay.' American Historical Review 'the editors have rendered an outstanding service to students of conciliarism by making this text readily available together with an English translation which captures the racy readability of the original.' Theology