This is a very long overdue English translation of Erich Meuthen's short biographical study of Nicholas of Cusa. The original German version was produced in 1964 under the title, Nikolaus von Kues: Skizze einer Biographie and was revised several times: this translation is of the seventh and last revision of the work produced in 1992. Meuthen's published oeuvre has made a dominant contribution to Cusanus studies, not least through his Acta Cusana. Indeed, Meuthen has been instrumental in inspiring the, by now, large academic industry devoted to Cusanus in the last half century.
This biography, written towards the beginning of Meuthen's career, was meant as an introduction to the life and works of Nicholas of Cusa. It does not contain new research but is suitable for putting into the hands of undergraduates or, indeed, others coming to Cusanus for the first time. It is meant to be easy to read and dispenses with a scholarly apparatus.
This translation contains an appreciation of Meuthen by Morimichi Watanabe; a basic survey of the world of Cusanus; a glossary of terms; short bibliographical notes on Cusanus research up to 1992; and further bibliographical notes by Hans Gerhard Senger on Cusanus research from 1992-2005 (clearly set out by topic).
The book takes a chronological approach to Cusanus's life. Above all it does justice to the vast range of his activities, both practical and intellectual. It gives sketches of his many works. Cusanus was preeminently a major scholar who was also immersed in ecclesiastical and political affairs--a man of action as well as a scholar. Because everything is covered, treatment of major works, like the Catholic Concordance and De docta ignorantia, is somewhat cursory.
Most of the book is clear and straightforward but there is a problem in the presentation of Cusanus's theological ideas. The discussion becomes incomprehensible at times probably because the text is so condensed. Neoplatonism, which infused so much of his thought, is notoriously difficult to explain clearly-–especially in a restricted compass. Let us hope that the bemused reader will be driven to consult more extensive works for elucidation.
The strength of the book lies in explaining the complexity of Cusanus's involvement in political and ecclesiastical life rather than in the exposition of his ideas. Above all, extensive treatment is given to his part in attempts to reform the church. Especially important are the accounts of his activities at the Council of Basel and his period as papal legate to Germany towards the end of his career.
Cusanus's career can seem a conundrum. He was, early on, an important contributor to the ideas of the Conciliar Movement but he ended up serving the papacy under Pope Pius II. Throughout his career there is an apparent counterpoint between the themes of consent and hierarchy. Some have accused him of inconsistency. Meuthen does his best to rehabilitate his hero. Whether he does so successfully is another matter. At times there is speculation about Cusanus's motives which tend to be seen in the best light. Attempts are made to make his character and personality come alive but there is not enough clear information to achieve this. Certainly, in his later years Cusanus was concerned to protect the rights of the church.
The puzzle that remains is how Cusanus managed to achieve so much in his life (1401-64). The huge production of written work in the midst of a busy life devoted to the church in the world brings to mind the similar situation of Augustine of Hippo. The merit of this biography is to demonstrate just how much Cusanus achieved in circumstances which were often highly unfavourable to intellectual achievement.
Nicholas of Cusa was a giant amongst thinkers of the fifteenth century and rightly deserves the scholarly attention which he has attracted. This biography will serve its purpose it if reveals to students (of all kinds) his great contribution and encourages them to follow up its bibliographical references.
Behind this short biography lies the depth of Meuthen's own profound scholarship. This translation is a tribute to the author as much as to Nicholas of Cusa. All translators have to decide how close they will adhere to the language of the original. Sometimes the translation sounds clearly Germanic.
This translation will now take its place amongst the general works on Nicholas of Cusa available in English. It can be recommended as the first work to put into the hands of those seeking an introduction to his works and historical contribution. Their next step, I suggest, should be to read the Catholic Concordance.