The present work, the Compendium of Theology, was the last St. Thomas Aquinas undertook before his death. Thus the Compendium contains the central elements of St. Thomas's far-reaching theological vision after a lifetime of study and teaching. Here, in a seemingly effortless display, Thomas demonstrates one final time his marvelous clarity of mind, no matter the subject on which it is trained.

The brevity of the work has the advantage of giving at a glance and in summary form the mature theological conclusions of the Angelic Doctor. A new introduction by Rev. Richard A. Munkelt provides in brief compass a lucid and wide-ranging presentation of the fundamentals of Thomas's thought. For someone approaching Thomas for the first time, the Compendium of Theology is an ideal place to begin; for one long acquainted with his works, here is friendly and familiar sustenance.