"In the secret chambre of the mynde, in the preuy closet of the sowle": monastic discipline and devotion in More's Life of Pico. Issue 1 (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alakas, Brandon
• Is Part Of: Moreana. Volume 54:Number 207(2017)Issue 1
• Page Start: 86
• Page End: 107
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: Life of Pico -- lay piety -- monasticism -- lectio divina -- Carthusian -- Gianfrancesco della Mirandola -- Thomas More; Vie de Pic -- piété laïque -- vie monastique -- lectio divina -- Chartreux -- Gianfrancesco della Mirandola -- Thomas More; Periodicals; 942.052
• DOI: 10.3366/more.2017.0008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0047-8105

Abstract

Abstract : Already present in certain biographical details, Thomas More's programmatic efforts to create new patterns of mixed living are most innovatively employed in the Life of Pico . In creating a vernacular translation of Gianfrancesco's Vita Ioannis Pici Mirandulae, More executes substantial changes that draw attention to Pico's strong desire to transpose rituals and rhythms of monastic devotion, which encourage a highly cultivated interior and private spiritual life, onto the day-to-day life of a layperson. As spiritual guide, More's Life of Pico aims to produce a reflective, capable reader while at once setting the limits of his or her intellectual endeavor within narrowly fixed orthodox parameters.