John Ireland (theologian) facts for kids
John Ireland (born around 1440 – died 1495), also known as Johannes de Irlandia, was an important Scottish thinker and diplomat. He helped kings and wrote books about how to be a good leader.
Life of John Ireland
John Ireland was born in Scotland, possibly in Perth. He started his studies at St Andrews University but left in 1459. He then moved to France and joined the University of Paris. He stayed in France for almost 30 years, studying and teaching. He became a doctor at the famous Sorbonne. In 1469, he even became the Rector of the University of Paris, which means he was the head of the university.
John Ireland was also a skilled diplomat. In 1480, Louis XI of France sent him to Scotland. His job was to encourage King James III to go to war with England. He also tried to help King James make peace with his brother, Alexander Stewart, Duke of Albany, but this part didn't work out.
King James III liked John Ireland so much that he asked him to come back and live in Scotland. John Ireland became the king's confessor, like a spiritual advisor. He also started writing a special advice book for the king's son, who would later become king himself. John Ireland's name can be found in records of the Scottish parliaments.
In 1484, John Ireland was one of Scotland's ambassadors. He was sent to France to meet King Charles VIII. Their mission was to confirm a peace treaty. Later, in 1487, Henry VII of England even gave John Ireland a safe travel pass at the request of King James.
John Ireland's Writings
John Ireland wrote a very important book of advice for kings. He started it for King James III, but the king died before it was finished. So, John Ireland gave the book to the new king, James IV. This book is divided into seven parts. It belongs to a type of book called "Mirrors for princes." These books were written to teach future rulers how to govern well.
In his book, John Ireland used ideas from other writers like Jean Gerson. He also seemed to use parts of The Tale of Melibee by Geoffrey Chaucer. The book even mentions Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde.
John Ireland finished this book in Edinburgh in 1490. It is kept as a manuscript in the Advocates Library in Edinburgh. The book is called Johannis de Irlandia opera theologica, but it's usually known as the Meroure of Wysdome (Mirror of Wisdom). It's a guide written in the old Scots language about how a prince should be wise and disciplined. It's very important because it's the oldest surviving example of original prose written in Scots.
John Ireland also wrote other works. He wrote a long commentary in four books. He also mentioned two other writings in Scots. One was about "commandments and other things for the salvation of man." The other was about "confession."
