homas Aquinas, one of the most famous and highly thought of Christian thinkers, was a controversial figure who was exposed and engaged in conflict. This Very Short Introduction looks at Aquinas in a historical context, and explores the Church and culture into which Aquinas was born. It also ask why Aquinas matters now. The best introduction to Thomas Aquinas aimed at non-specialists Discusses Aquinas as both a philosopher and a theologian Illustrates the different debates and the significant role that the writings of Aquinas play in contemporary debate