L. Williams, in translating Giordano Bruno's Gli Eroici Furori (Heroic Enthusiasts) from the original Italian into English back in 1887 and 1889, has done a great service to humanity. His introduction is especially illuminating as it contextualizes Bruno's life until his tragic death at the age of 52 and provides us with a tantalizing glimpse into his cosmological philosophy.

It is my hope that this small book, which is drawn exclusively from Williams' work, will serve as an intellectual appetizer and lead to a deeper plunge into Bruno's fascinating thought. Giordano Bruno embodies what Peter Berger terms the “heretical imperative”, a clarion call for human beings to question authority and be willing to think for him or herself instead of following the status quo. Bruno stands out as an intellectual hero who deserves to be heard more now than ever before. Roman Catholicism owes a huge debt to Bruno and one that it has yet to fulfill.

As the radical founders of the United States realized better than most: “To have freedom of religion, one must have freedom from religion.” Bruno has taught us that being skeptical is more important than blindly believing. He died exemplifying that truth.

Introduction by David Christopher Lane, PhD, professor of philosophy. Also contains a fine essay about the influence that Nicholas of Cusa had on Bruno.