SUMMA CONTRA GENTILES

The oral presentation of St. Thomas's complex series of logical arguments on religious premises requires clarity and accuracy, and Martyn Swain's admirable performance provides both. His voice is strong and a bit astringent but likable, and his pacing--another essential--is good, if at times somewhat quick for the more difficult material. Frequent minor hesitations, as if he is reading this work for the first time and pausing to absorb its meaning, are slightly distracting, and at times a sense of rote takes over as there are many arguments, all in a similar form. But Swain delivers the text as clearly, cogently, and even amiably as could be hoped for. Nonetheless, Aquinas can be challenging in any format, and some listeners may find this work quite difficult. W.M. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2024]