The Soul of a Lion: The Life of Dietrich von Hildebrand

Dietrich von Hildebrand is certainly one of the most fascinating men of the 20th century, and, without much exaggeration, probably of all time. Alice von Hildebrand's biography of her husband is a great gift to those who like to see the human side of great thinkers. I won't make this review overly long by summarizing the book's contents - I would just prompt you to get the book and read it for yourself.I would like to point out that, for me, this book only got better when I read it a second time through. By my second read, I was more familiar with the names and lives of the many philosophers, authors, and composers that von Hildebrand met in the course of his life.The only complaints I have about the book would be 1) the fact that the biographical information ends with von Hildebrand's arrival to the USA, and 2) the lack of an index (especially for the names of the many interesting individuals throughout). If someone ever gets around to a more complete biography of Hildebrand, the first of these can be solved. If Ignatius Press produces a second edition of this book, the second can be easily remedied.Those who are interested in this biography would probably also be interested in St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross/Edith Stein's (unfortunately, incomplete) autobiography "Life in a Jewish Family" - another phenomenologist, convert to Catholicism, and fellow student of Edmund Husserl. For the same reasons, I would recommend Aurel Kolnai's "Political Memoirs" (also a convert to Catholicism, sometime student of Husserl, and as such, a philosopher who was greatly influenced by phenomenology - he is less well known than the other two, but he also led a quite interesting life).For those who want to know a little more about phenomenology, I would recommend the following:"Introduction to Phenomenology" by Dermot Moran (a historical introduction to the school/movement)"Introduction to Phenomenology" by Robert Sokolowski (a "doctrinal" introduction to the views shared by most phenomenologists)"Reflective Analysis" by Lester Embree (emphasizes DOING phenomenology, as opposed to mere scholarship on phenomenology)

Well written and good warning against what’s happening in political scene today.

One of my favorite reads — and one that I have recommended to many. You don't have to be familiar with his philosophical work at all to appreciate this book (but perhaps you'll want to learn more about his writings after, which are brilliant). If you're interested in history, culture, the search for truth, goodness, and beauty, or simply stories of inspirational people, you'll enjoy "The Soul of a Lion" immensely.

A life that was so beautifuly lived and told with such love and eloquence. I wanted to just go on and on.

Given my age, 89, Dutch background but World Ward II in Indonesia, this little book spoke very much to me as it pictured political situations as encountered by Christians during that time in Europe. Well written, engaging and descriptions of a man with the Soul of a Lion!

Great insights into a great man. Wonderfully thoughtful and thought provoking.

This man brought many clear and concise thoughts to life!

It showed great truth about his beliefs

Excelente historia de los conflictos, peligros y supervivencia de un hombre que se enfrento al nazismo. Desolación y exilio. Fuerte y desgarradora, pero al mismo tiempo esperanzadora, al mostrar lo que mueve y sostiene en pie el alma de los hombres grandes.

Totally satisfied