de Sortibus: A Letter to a Friend about the Casting of Lots

This book makes De Sortibus Thomas Aquinass letter to a friend on the casting of lots available in clear English for the first time. The letter was written around 1270 and was prompted by the question of whether lots could be used to seek Gods will in the appointment of a bishop. Weve all tossed a coin or pulled straws to see who goes first or opened the Bible to see if we could resolve an issue with a message from God. These are the kinds of things that Aquinas talks about to show us when casting lots is a good idea and when its just superstition. The translation is accompanied by an introduction that sets the letter in its historical context a brief overview of the life of Thomas Aquinas and eight short essays that shine light from different angles onto this delightful work. This letter serves as a great gateway into the thought and method of one of the worlds greatest thinkers.