William of Ockham (c. 1285–c. 1347) was the most eminent and influential theologian and philosopher of his day, a giant in the history of political thought. He was a Franciscan friar who came to believe that the Avignonese papacy of John XXII had set out to destroy the religious ideal on which the Franciscan order was based: the complete poverty of Christ and the apostles. This is the first complete text by Ockham to be published in English. The Short Discourse is a passionate but compelling statement of Ockham's position on the most fundamental political problem of the medieval period: the relationship of supreme spiritual authority, as represented by the pope, to the autonomous secular authority claimed by the medieval empire and the emerging nation-states of Europe. Professor McGrade's introduction, and the notes on the translation make the volume wholly accessible to a modern readership, while a full bibliography and chronology are included as further aids to the reader.

"This book is enriched by an admirable introduction by McGrade, which places Ockham and his work in the framework of their time. Careful footnoting and a useful bibliography enhance the value of the book." H. Malcolm MacDonald, Social Science Quarterly

"Ockham's argument combines lucidity with passion....it was the first complete Latin work I ever read. By the time I finished it I would gladly have followed Ockham out of Avignon and into the imperial entourage." David Burr, Church History