<p>The story of Iohannes Scottus Eriugena (c. 800&ndash;870), Ireland&rsquo;s greatest philosopher, is told here for the newcomer. Educated in Ireland, Eriugena emigrated to France where he became a close friend of the Emperor, Charles the Bald, serving him as court poet and master of the palace school. He also became a trans&shy;lator and admirer of the theology of the Greek Church, leading eventually to his condemna&shy;tion as a heretic. In recent times, however, he has become one of the most studied of all mediaeval intellectuals.&nbsp;&ldquo;A great book for two reasons, the clear account of Eriugena&rsquo;s philosophy and theology, and the fine prose style, particularly in the translations of Eriugena&rsquo;s own words.&rdquo; &mdash;Donnchadh &Oacute; Corr&aacute;in</p>