TEILHARD DE CHARDIN

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (May 1, 1881 - April 10, 1955) was a French Jesuit priest trained as a paleontologist and a philosopher, and was present at the discovery of Peking Man. Teilhard conceived such ideas as the Omega Point and the Noosphere. Teilhard's primary book, The Phenomenon of Man, set forth a sweeping account of the unfolding of the cosmos. He abandoned a literal interpretation of creation in the Book of Genesis in favor of a metaphorical interpretation. This displeased certain officials in the Catholic Curia, who thought that it undermined the doctrine of original sin developed by Saint Augustine. Teilhard's position was opposed by his church superiors, and his work was denied publication during his lifetime by the Roman Holy Office. FROM THE JACKET: " . . . Through the subtle blending of two hundred and forty photographs with Teilhard's own writings, this album captures the whole man. Every facet of Teilhard's life is highlighted; his family and friends, his ideals. This man was many things--philosopher, priest, paleontologist, scientist, and a human being of great personal warmth and charm. The writings in this album include excerpts from Teilhard's books, from his private letters and from his personal diary, as well as hitherto unpublished writings of his friends and colleagues. They provide an intimate glimpse into Teilhard's brilliant thought and keenly analytical mind, while at the same time the poetic prose of his style delights. Teilhard's life is encompassed from his infancy through his novitiate and priesthood, to his years on the battlefront during World War I, his work as a paleontologist in China and Africa, and finally his death in new York in 1955."