author
Francis Aidan Gasquet
1846–1929
An English Benedictine monk, historian, and later cardinal, he wrote vivid, often debated studies of medieval England and the English Reformation. His work helped shape Catholic historical writing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
5 Audiobooks
Breaking with the Past; Or, Catholic Principles Abandoned at the Reformation
by Francis Aidan Gasquet
The Eve of the Reformation Studies in the Religious Life and Thought of the English people in the Period Preceding the Rejection of the Roman jurisdiction by Henry VIII
by Francis Aidan Gasquet
The Great Pestilence (A.D. 1348-9), Now Commonly Known as the Black Death
by Francis Aidan Gasquet
English Monastic Life
by Francis Aidan Gasquet
Parish life in mediæval England
by Francis Aidan Gasquet
About the author
Born in London on October 5, 1846, he entered the Benedictine order as a young man and was educated at Downside. Over time he became known both as a churchman and as a prolific historical writer, especially on English monastic life, the Reformation, and the social impact of the Black Death.
His books often pushed back against strongly anti-Catholic readings of English history, which made him influential but also controversial among later historians. That mix of scholarship, conviction, and debate is a big part of why he remains an interesting figure for readers today.
His church career rose alongside his writing: he was created a cardinal in 1914 and later served in Rome, including as prefect of the Vatican Archives. He died in Rome on April 5, 1929.