Wyclif: Political ideas and practice

Twelve papers presented by Michael Wilks between 1965 and his death in 1999, two of which are published here for the first time. Wilks' research into Wyclif and 14th-century England was very much rooted in Wyclif's own prolific writings, a perspective that differed from the more traditional Reformation viewpoint. The papers trace Wyclif's early history in northern England and Oxford and ask why the established and favored civil servant turned against Edward III and Richard II and died a traitor and heretic. Wilks' detailed analysis of Wyclif's Latin texts, with numerous extracts and copious notes, presents Wyclif's demands for reform and his determined campaign against the church and the religious orders. Wyclif's name was inevitably linked with the Peasants' Revolt, even though it attacked his patron and former defender John of Gaunt, but even in exile he continued his fight with attacks on both the Schism popes. The essays are the result of 35 years of evolving ideas and opinions but all reflect the great learning and energy of Wilks' scholarship.Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. John Wyclif, Reformer, c. 1327-1384 2. Predestination, Property and Power: Wyclif's Theory of Dominion and Grace 3. The Early Oxford Wyclif: Papalist or Nominalist? 4. Reformatio Regni: Wyclif and Hus as Leaders of Religious Protest Movemnts 5. Misleading Manuscripts: Wyclif and the Non-Wycliffite Bible 6. Royal Priesthood: the Origins of the Lollardy 7. Royal Patronage and Anti-Papalism: from Ockham to Wyclif 8. Thesaurus Ecclesiae [Wyclif's Views on Wealth] 9. Wyclif and the Great Persecution 10. Wyclif and the Wheel of Time 11. Thomas Arundel of York: the Appellant Archbishop 12. Roman Candle or Damned Squib? The English Cursade of 1383