Jacques Maritain: The Philosopher in Society

Schall’s work is the first major exposition of Maritain’s political thought in English. Schall’s masterful teaching skill and exceptional writing ability enables his monograph to transcend the gaping hole in Maritain studies. A faithful exposition of his teaching. Anyone who has been looking for a book on Maritain’s social and political thought should jump for joy at this work. I can think of no other book that so clearly and concisely presents Maritain’s essential social and political thought. — Peter A. Redpath, St. John’s University ― The Maritain Notebook: The Amer. Maritain Assoc. Newsletter

Richly rewarding. . . . The value of Schall’s study lies not only in presenting Maritain as a better guide than other modern philosophers but also in showing us how to read Maritain―giving us a guide to the guide. — Robert P. Kraynak, Colgate University ― The Journal of Politics, August 1999, Vol. 61 No. 3

James V. Schall offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking introduction to the political thought of this influential French thinker in Jacques Maritain: The Philosopher in Society. — Marc D. Guerra, Assumption College ― Fellowship of Catholic Scholars Quarterly

It would be hard to improve upon the choice of Fr. Schall, professor of government at Georgetown University, and a philosopher, theologian, and political scientist of considerable distinction, to escort us through the rich and often challenging politicalwritings of this great Catholic thinker. Professor Schall does an admirable job in taking the complex thought of Maritain and rendering it not only easy to follow, but, at times, almost inevitable. We can be greatfull that Fr. Schall has provided uswith this readable and instructive introdction to Maritain’s political philosophy. It is a philosophy that is sufficiently rich that it provides considerable benefits for its students, quite apart from the issue of whether or not it can be implemented politically.. — Donald DeMarco, St. Jerome’s University, Waterloo, Ontario ― Homiletic & Pastoral Review

This book brings the considerable talents of the Reverand James V. Schall, S.J., to bear on the writings of an important and influential figure in Roman Catholic Political Philosophy — Glen Ellmers, Claremont Institute ― Religion & Liberty, Nov. And Dec. 1998, Vol. 8, N0.6

It would be hard to improve upon the choice of Fr. Schall, professor of government at Georgetown University, and a philosopher, theologian, and political scientist of considerable distinction, to escort us through the rich and often challenging political writings of this great Catholic thinker. Professor Schall does an admirable job in taking the complex thought of Maritain and rendering it not only easy to follow, but, at times, almost inevitable. We can be greatfull that Fr. Schall has provided us with this readable and instructive introdction to Maritain’s political philosophy. It is a philosophy that is sufficiently rich that it provides considerable benefits for its students, quite apart from the issue of whether or not it can be implemented politically. — Donald DeMarco, St. Jerome’s University, Waterloo, Ontario ― Homiletic & Pastoral Review

Commendable work. ― Review of Metaphysics

The book’s significant merits as a careful reading of the Maritain corpus. In responding to the student at the Fides et Ratio conference, Cardinal George observed that the totality of knowledge and wisdom, including fides, must be brought to bear on our political, social, and cultural problems. Schall’s book is certainly a significant contribution to that quest. ― The Journal Of Religion