Summa Theologiae: Complete Set Imitation Leather – December 12, 2012

These books are stunning. The English translation is easy to understand. Easy on the eyes. Don’t try to buy this and read it on your own without guidance if you’re unfamiliar. This will save you money.

Extremely appreciative of the care that was administered in shipping these volumes -- shrink wrapped, padded to fit in box, boxed again with extra added protection, then boxed the parcel again for shipping to my address -- the volumes are not only designed to be read (beautifully sized font and typesetting) but size of pages with columns and spacing is bright and comforting, as well as slightly off-white, perfectly thick paper, like nothing I have had the sheer pleasure of seeing and purchasing before. I took Taylor Marshall's advice and made this "investment" -- I am truly very pleased that I did. Thank You for your recommendation, Dr. Taylor and Thank You St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, Steubenville, Ohio and Emmaus Road . Couldn't be better.

This set uses the Shapcote English translations of the Summa that's more or less canonical at this point, so there's not much value in reviewing the contexts of this book here. In fact, if you're just interested in the text, the Aquinas Institute (the organization that publishes these books) has the full text available online at aquinas.cc.So, realistically, you'd only purchase this set if you want a high-quality physical copy of the text. And on that, this set absolutely delivers. The pages are probably just a bit thicker than standard printer paper, rather than the thinner paper you'd normally associate with larger works such as bibles and dictionaries. The covers have a nice subtle texture to them, rather than the plastic, laminate feel I've seen on cheaper editions of this book.At least in my case, they were packaged well and arrived in perfect condition.They also just look gorgeous, so if you're someone who's interested in theology or philosophy, these would be a great additional to your bookshelf, if not a fairly large one.

If you are looking for clear type, fine paper, a sturdy binding, and a matching set, look no further. I doubt if even the most avid reader of St. Thomas will find pages falling out, cracking bindings, loose covers or signs of advanced degeneration 25 years,from now. I studied Latin in high school and college, and it is so convenient to see the Latin text on the same page. This is a book to read, study and ponder for many years. Rarely do you read St Thomas without coming away with new insights and inspiration. The matching commentaries are also worthwhile. Far from being dry, St Thomas builds his thought on a firm foundation, and then it soars like a Gothic cathedral. His command of scripture is amazing,as is his command of Aristotle, Augustine and a large number of other thinkers. The brightest minds of the era were into doing theology,and clearly St. Thomas was the Nobel prize winner of the lot. Other publishers would probably be charging four times the price ofThis set.

As good as it gets. The latin on the side is perfect when you want to dive a little deeper. Pretty big, so it's not exactly the kind of book you can carry around. But I'm a dork, so I carry it around and read it in the airport anyways :) Frame is sturdy, pages not thin (which is great. My Denzinger feels like I'm trying to not rip toilet seat covers in public restrooms), which makes it very easy to highlight and write on. They've taken all the beating they could get - I took a volume with me on vacation, so I've left it on sandy beaches, airport seats and sinks, on the table I'm eating at, and more, and it looks the same as the other volumes. I actually can't tell which one it wasIn terms of content - It's the Summa. What compares? I've learned so much. Tip: if you want to check if you're picking up what he's throwing down, then come back to the questions and articles you've read and cover up the answer as you try and solve the question on your own.

These are beautiful, durable books. If you are considering studying the works of the Angelic Doctor, St. Thomas Aquinas, and dabbling in the rich tradition of the Scholastics, you need to order this set. These are durably bound and printed on high quality paper. When you are not reading them, they will look great on your shelf, and when you begin to spend hours studying them, you will appreciate the layout, font, etc. Ideal for studying! Having the original Latin down the left side of the page provides you with comfort that the translation is orthodox and, if you ever wonder if there is a language issue, you can just switch over to the Latin side and translate for yourself. You are going to spend a decent sum of money no matter what set of the Summa you order, so make the best investment you can and order this set.

I spent almost a year looking for a decent printing of the Summa both used and new. The English translation has some good editions in hardback by various publishers but if you are serious about studying this text you really need the Latin and Greek before you. The font is printed so one can easily read it, the bindings on these hardcovers are exquisite, are made to last and are well worth the price. EVERY CATHOLIC HOME SHOULD HAVE A COPY OF THIS EDITION AND SHOULD BE KEPT ALONG SIDE THE BIBLE,AND CATHOLIC CATECHISM.

This is an incredible set. The translation is easy to read, and also facilitates finding the corresponding latin passage. These volumes are large and beautifully bound. I even find my teenage daughter reading them! Timeless truths in gorgeous packaging. What more could you want?