Blaise Pascal

Catholic Historical Review "Of the introductory biographical studies of the life and works of Blaise Pascal (1923-1662) that have appeared in English in recent years, Marvin O'Connell's Blaise Pascal: Reasons of the Heart is among the best. It is probably the most readable." Catholic Library World "Because of the clarity of its style, the winning character of its subject and the deft treatment of its author, the book is highly recommended for those interested in the man and in the religious and theological struggles which his life and writings so vividly embodied." Library Journal "O'Connell creates a context for understanding brilliant mathematician and mystic Blaise Pascal. The physical and intellectual environment of Pascal's 17th-century France come alive in this well-written work. Especially effective is O'Connell's analysis of the Jansenist controversy." Louvain Studies "An excellent introduction to the life and work of a well-known but little understood thinker." The Christian Century "O'Connell's recounting of Pascal's remarkable life draws the reader into the story. His presentation of the context for Pascal's life is masterful, immersing the reader in the flavor of 17th-century France." Theological Studies "A delightfully readable and critically informative introduction to the life and times of Pascal. . . The book would serve as an excellent text for an appropriate undergraduate or graduate course in either history or theology."