Following a scholarly account of Thomas Aquinass life, Davies explores his purposes in writing the Summa Theologiae and works systematically through each of its three Parts. He also relates their contents and Aquinass teachings to those of other works and other thinkers both theological and philosophical. The concluding chapter considers the impact Aquinass best-known work has exerted since its first appearance, and why it is still studied today. Intended for students and general readers interested in medieval philosophy and theology, Daviess study is a solid and reflective introduction both to the Summa Theologiae and to Aquinas in general.