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Rubinstein does a fine job presenting the introduction and inclusion of Aristotelian thinking into the catholic universities from 1200-1400 CE. He introduces the reader to a number of lesser known philosophers and theologians. Rubinstein is a great communicator and effortlessly explains the relative importance of the celebrity thinkers (Aquinas) and those whose names now escape us (Siger de Brabant). If the non-academic reader has an interest in history, education, the medieval period, or philosophy I strongly recommend Aristotle's Children. I genuinely enjoyed the act of reading Rubinstein's work.

A word of caution however (OK a few words) - I found the title to be misleading at best. Yes, there is a brief discussion of the earliest re-introduction of Aristotle in the opening chapters. The book does connect Aristotelian philosophy with various thinkers and historical periods. It does show how the introduction of the Philosopher into catholic universities was contentious. It fails, however, to present the "how" of rediscovery in any great detail. Other than a few passing mentions of Moses Maimonides and Averros, Jews and Muslims get little attention or credit throughout the book. This really is a history of how the catholic church responded to the reemergence of Aristotle after 1100 CE and not a story of how that reemergence occurred.

One feels, throughout the book, Rubinstein playing the apologist to institutions (church and monarchy) whose overwhelming predilection was to violently repress any thought that failed to conform. Rubinstein, himself, describes how the Franciscans were co-opted into the institution of the Roman church based on a shrewd Papal analysis that it was better to have them under the tent than outside it making trouble. It seems that Rubenstein wants us to believe that a sudden surge of open-mindedness and curiosity overtook the prelates of catholicism during a time in which they were also inventing in Inquisition. Finally, Rubinstein gives the impression of desiring a return to the conjunction of "faith and reason" an effort that started with Boethius and was refined and maximized by Aquinas (when he wasn't levitating or talking to statues).

Did I mention I really did like the book?