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A Man Born Again: A Novel Based on the Life of Saint Thomas More
Status and wealth, power and fame: St. Thomas More had them all. As a wise and popular statesman, internationally recognized scholar, and Lord Chancellor of England, More was perhaps the most highly respected Englishman of his day until his conscience required that he lay down his life for his Catholic faith.
A generation ago, the American Catholic novelist John Edward Beahn retold More's life story as a biographical novel, A Man Born Again: A Novel Based on the Life of St. Thomas More , published in 1954. Making ample use of the rich historical records of sixteenth-century England, Beahn lays out the convoluted political landscape of the period, which set the scene for the disastrous efforts of King Henry VIII to divorce his queen and marry his mistress—while demanding that the Church grant him sanction for his immorality.
Alongside the political complexities, Beahn traces the development of More's interior landscape. Family conflicts, vocational perplexities, personal tragedies, and forthright acquaintances all played their part in shaping his soul. These influences, converging with the political developments that relentlessly pressed in on him, forged a remarkable character that combined brilliant intellect, moral integrity, and deep devotion to Christ and His Church.
In the end, More chose to give his life rather than compromise his convictions under coercion from the state. No doubt a second generation of readers will welcome this TAN Legend edition of A Man Born Again: A Novel Based on the Life of St. Thomas More , as twenty-first-century political trends call for heroic Catholic resistance to government assault upon the Church.
A generation ago, the American Catholic novelist John Edward Beahn retold More's life story as a biographical novel, A Man Born Again: A Novel Based on the Life of St. Thomas More , published in 1954. Making ample use of the rich historical records of sixteenth-century England, Beahn lays out the convoluted political landscape of the period, which set the scene for the disastrous efforts of King Henry VIII to divorce his queen and marry his mistress—while demanding that the Church grant him sanction for his immorality.
Alongside the political complexities, Beahn traces the development of More's interior landscape. Family conflicts, vocational perplexities, personal tragedies, and forthright acquaintances all played their part in shaping his soul. These influences, converging with the political developments that relentlessly pressed in on him, forged a remarkable character that combined brilliant intellect, moral integrity, and deep devotion to Christ and His Church.
In the end, More chose to give his life rather than compromise his convictions under coercion from the state. No doubt a second generation of readers will welcome this TAN Legend edition of A Man Born Again: A Novel Based on the Life of St. Thomas More , as twenty-first-century political trends call for heroic Catholic resistance to government assault upon the Church.
- GenresCatholic
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1954
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About the author
John E. Beahn
11 books6 followersJohn Edward Beahn (1910-1990) was born in Philadelphia, served in the United States Army during World War II, and became a business executive who discovered his writing gifts later in life. He contribute articles to several Catholic magazines and wrote popular biographical novels of the saints.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 30, 2015
Historical fiction is a great way to learn more about a person in a readable way. I already knew quite a bit about Thomas More and would say that the author's recreation of conversations and internal monologues rang true to me. It was an easy read about an inspiring man and a great Saint!
June 22, 2020
A work of historic fiction about the life of St. Thomas More. For those familiar with Tudor rule, particularly the bright hopes that Henry VIII first nourished in his countrymen, and then in Europe, the background and setting will be familiar. For those not familiar with the interior and devotional life of St. Thomas, somewhat alluded to in the play by Robert Bolt, A Man for All Seasons, you'll find much more meat here.
"'You do not appreciate the superiority of your talents and, therefore, neither do others.'" (p. 29)
"Father Paul smiled and shook his head. 'You must learn first to walk in God's ways and in His service before you can run. You must first train and strengthen your muscles. Be content for the present with prayer and fasting - the life of the spirit is born from the death of the flesh.'" (p. 61)
"'There is one great vocation for all of us,' Father Paul continued. 'And that vocation is the same for all of us. Our blessed Lord lived it for us that all of. us would known what it is: to know the will of God as it pertains to each one of us and to fulfill that will.'" (p. 85)
"'Men begin against the clergy, Son Roper, but end by throwing themselves against the whole Church.'" (p. 210)
(quoting from Utopia) "'Invariably, kings' councillors are either so learned themselves that they need not consult with others, or are of that sort who think themselves so learned that they will not consult with others.'" (p 225)
"'You do not appreciate the superiority of your talents and, therefore, neither do others.'" (p. 29)
"Father Paul smiled and shook his head. 'You must learn first to walk in God's ways and in His service before you can run. You must first train and strengthen your muscles. Be content for the present with prayer and fasting - the life of the spirit is born from the death of the flesh.'" (p. 61)
"'There is one great vocation for all of us,' Father Paul continued. 'And that vocation is the same for all of us. Our blessed Lord lived it for us that all of. us would known what it is: to know the will of God as it pertains to each one of us and to fulfill that will.'" (p. 85)
"'Men begin against the clergy, Son Roper, but end by throwing themselves against the whole Church.'" (p. 210)
(quoting from Utopia) "'Invariably, kings' councillors are either so learned themselves that they need not consult with others, or are of that sort who think themselves so learned that they will not consult with others.'" (p 225)
July 5, 2020
This book is so approachable. I learned many things about St. Thomas More and have a greater appreciation for the complexity of his faith journey and story. A saint for our times!!
September 6, 2022
Highly readable account of St Thomas More.
From chapter 15 book II page 184
“The day drew to an end, the last bill was read, I spoke the formal invitation as to new business preliminary to adjournment, before the aged Bishop of Rochester asked to be heard.
‘My Lords! you have heard the bills delivered here from the Common House.’ His voice was hard as the voice of a man with confidence in the cause he proclaims.’What they sound in some of your ears, I cannot tell. In mine, they sound all to this effect - that our Holy Mother the Church, preserved in the most perfect and peaceable freedom by our forefathers, shall now be brought into thraldom and driven out of our country.”
From chapter 15 book II page 184
“The day drew to an end, the last bill was read, I spoke the formal invitation as to new business preliminary to adjournment, before the aged Bishop of Rochester asked to be heard.
‘My Lords! you have heard the bills delivered here from the Common House.’ His voice was hard as the voice of a man with confidence in the cause he proclaims.’What they sound in some of your ears, I cannot tell. In mine, they sound all to this effect - that our Holy Mother the Church, preserved in the most perfect and peaceable freedom by our forefathers, shall now be brought into thraldom and driven out of our country.”
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April 6, 2019Suggested by Susanne Rodrigue
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews