Emily B. (LibraryEm42) reviewed on 7/31/2010 + 26 more book reviews

This book recounts the case of an Italian miller who clashed with the Roman Inquisition twice over his insistence on speaking about his heretical (according to the Inquisition) ideas. Menocchio used the metaphor of cheese forming to describe the beginnings of the universe, and "worms" - that is, angels - forming in the mass. Perhaps worst of all to the Inquisition was Menocchio's assertion that God was formed along with these angels in the primordial chaos, rather than being the creator of it all.

Menocchio was eventually burned at the stake for heresy, but not right away - the Inquisition actually let him go the first time, so long as he promised not to mention his ideas to anyone again.

This was an interesting book, in which both Menocchio and the Inquisitors are shown as complex people.

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