On Forgiveness - (Canons) by Richard Holloway (Paperback)

About the Book

"There is only forgiveness, if there is any, where there is the unforgivable." [Jacques Derrida] Using Derrida's provocative paradox as the epigraph and starting point for his new book, Richard Holloway tackles the complex theme of forgiveness. It is a subject that he explores from both a personal and a political perspective, but underpinning this examination is his belief that religion has given us many of the best stories and metaphors for understanding the act. He proceeds to relate forgiveness to such events as September 11 and the ongoing conflicts in Palestine and Israel, Northern Ireland, and Serbia. On Forgiveness is a discourse on how forgiveness works, where it came from, and how the need to embrace it is greater than ever if we are to free ourselves from the binds of the past. Drawing on philosophers and writers of the caliber of George Steiner, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jacques Derrida, Hannah Arendt, and Nelson Mandela, Holloway has written another fascinating and timely book. "Holloway's language and style are engaging, his research conscientious and his conclusions thoughtful and frequently wise." -- Sunday Times (London)

Book Synopsis

'Full of human wisdom, this is a psychologically acute and absorbing approach to a very important subject' PHILIP PULLMAN

In this inspiring work, Richard Holloway tackles the great theme of forgiveness. One of the most important books on this essential topic, On Forgiveness draws on the great philosophers and writers such as Frederick Nietzsche, Jacques Derrida and Nelson Mandela. Both timely and a timeless modern classic, On Forgiveness is a pertinent and fascinating discourse on how forgiveness works, where it came from and how the need to embrace it is greater than ever if we are to free ourselves from the binds of the past.

Review Quotes

"Full of human wisdom, this is a psychologically acute and absorbing approach to a very important subject." --Philip Pullman, author, His Dark Materials trilogy

Full of human wisdom, this is a psychologically acute and absorbing approach to a very important subject--PHILIP PULLMAN

Holloway makes you feel you can be a better person (but not in a smug way)--Damian Barr "The Week "

I don't know when I have been more impressed, indeed, excited, by a work. . . It answers the seemingly unanswerable tormenting questions in a completely satisfying way--RUTH RENDELL

The book everyone needs to read--JEANETTE WINTERSON "The Times "

"I don't know when I have been more impressed, indeed, excited, by a work . . . It answers the seemingly unanswerable tormenting questions in a completely satisfying way." --Ruth Rendell, author, "Harm Done"

About the Author

Richard Holloway was Bishop of Edinburgh and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church. His books include Looking in the Distance, Godless Morality, Doubts and Loves, and Leaving Alexandria, which won the PEN/Ackerley Prize 2013 and was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize 2013. He has written for the Times, Guardian, Observer, Herald, and Scotsman.