Podcast Title: Not Just the Tudors
Episode: Giordano Bruno: Mystic, Heretic, Spy
Release Date: February 20, 2025
Host: Professor Susannah Lipscomb
Guest: S.J. Paris (Stephanie Merritt), Author

Introduction to Giordano Bruno

The episode opens with a vivid portrayal of Giordano Bruno's tragic end. Set on Ash Wednesday, February 17th, 1600, in Rome’s Campo de' Fiori, Professor Susannah Lipscomb describes Bruno's execution:

"Bruno is led to the center of the square... the pyre is lit, and the man who dared to challenge the church is consumed in flames." (00:00)

This dramatic introduction sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of Bruno's life, his revolutionary ideas, and his enduring legacy.

Guest Introduction: Stephanie Merritt

Professor Lipscomb welcomes Stephanie Merritt, author of the S.J. Paris historical crime novel series centered around Giordano Bruno. Merritt, writing under her pen name S.J. Paris, shares her fascination with Bruno's multifaceted life.

"I felt there was something incredibly romantic about his life and the fact that he seemed to be such a progressive thinker at a very repressive time." (05:32)

Attracting to Bruno: Merritt’s Interest

Merritt recounts her initial encounters with Bruno during her studies in English, particularly through figures like John Dee at the Elizabethan court. Her interest deepened as she uncovered Bruno's rebellious spirit against the Catholic Church.

"He had this idea that peace could be achieved by people understanding... that we had more in common." (17:00)

Early Life and Education

Bruno was born in Nola, near Naples, to a mercenary soldier, indicating a humble upbringing. Recognized for his exceptional intellect, he was sent to study at the Dominican school in Naples with the intention of joining the order.

"He was sent to school in Naples to study at the Dominican school, with a view to entering the order as a novice later on." (05:51)

Challenging the Church: Intellectual Rebellion

Bruno's relentless curiosity led him to question established doctrines. From a young age, he exhibited defiance against Church teachings, such as tearing down images of the Virgin Mary and expressing doubts about the divinity of Christ at 18.

"He told his inquisitors in Venice that he had started to doubt the divinity of Christ at the age of 18." (06:46)

Revolutionary Ideas: Copernican Theory and Pantheism

Bruno was captivated by Copernicus's heliocentric model and Nicholas of Cusa's concept of an infinite universe. He proposed a universe teeming with countless worlds, challenging the Church's geocentric view and traditional Christian narratives.

"Bruno wrote repeatedly of the idea that God is in all things, that the divinity... was present in all things." (14:05)

These ideas not only defied the Church's teachings but also laid early groundwork for the transformation of scientific thought, influencing later figures like Galileo.

Travels Across Europe: A Life on the Run

Following his excommunication in 1576, Bruno became an itinerant teacher, traveling across Italy, France, and eventually England. His charisma and intellectual prowess allowed him to gain patrons, such as becoming the personal philosophy tutor to Henry III of France.

"He clearly had enormous resources and self-reliance and also great charisma because he... talked his way into intellectual circles." (19:35)

The Spy Theory: Connection to Elizabethan England

Merritt discusses John Bossi's theory that Bruno may have acted as a spy for Elizabeth I's government during his time in London (1583-1585). According to Bossi, Bruno intercepted correspondence related to the Throckmorton Plot, aiming to support Protestant England against Catholic forces.

"Bossy's theory was that Bruno was the mole, intercepting correspondence because he wanted to serve Elizabeth's government against the Catholic cause." (22:51)

Though Bossi later retracted parts of his argument, this notion inspired Merritt to incorporate espionage elements into her novels, blending historical facts with creative storytelling.

Imprisonment and Trials: Unyielding Defiance

Bruno's publications, deemed heretical, eventually drew the attention of the Inquisition. After years of evading capture, he was arrested in Venice and subsequently tried by the Roman Inquisition. Despite intense pressure, he refused to recant his beliefs, demonstrating extraordinary courage.

"Bruno replied, 'I think you are more afraid to pass this sentence than I am to hear it.'" (28:40)

This steadfastness over seven years of imprisonment underscores his commitment to free thought over personal safety.

Execution and Its Impact

Bruno's execution was not just a personal tragedy but a symbolic clash between free intellect and dogmatic authority. His refusal to recant left a lasting legacy, marking him as a martyr for free speech and scientific inquiry.

"His defiance of repression... is the enduring legacy." (38:03)

Merritt’s Fictional Portrayal: Balancing Fact and Imagination

In her novels, Merritt takes creative liberties to fill the gaps in historical records. She portrays Bruno as more broad-minded and tolerant, especially in his interactions with various communities, to resonate with contemporary audiences.

"He seems to be an extraordinarily modern character for his time... the quintessential detective hero." (34:11)

By infusing elements like espionage and personal relationships, Merritt brings a dynamic and relatable dimension to Bruno's character, making historical fiction both engaging and informative.

Bruno's Enduring Legacy

Bruno remains an iconic figure symbolizing intellectual bravery and resistance against oppression. His influence persists in modern celebrations, such as statues and annual commemorations, inspiring movements advocating for free thought and expression.

"He was prepared to go to the state for his ideas and for his right to write and publish them... people still find that incredibly inspiring." (38:03)

Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Giordano Bruno

The episode closes with reflections on Bruno's lasting impact. His life story, marked by relentless pursuit of knowledge and unwavering defiance, continues to inspire historians, writers, and advocates for intellectual freedom.

"It's his defiance of repression that is the enduring legacy." (38:03)

Professor Lipscomb and Stephanie Merritt collaboratively highlight the multifaceted legacy of Giordano Bruno, bridging historical scholarship and imaginative storytelling to celebrate one of history's most intriguing figures.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephanie Merritt: "I felt there was something incredibly romantic about his life and the fact that he seemed to be such a progressive thinker at a very repressive time." (05:32)

• Stephanie Merritt: "Bruno replied, 'I think you are more afraid to pass this sentence than I am to hear it.'" (28:40)

• Stephanie Merritt: "He was prepared to go to the state for his ideas and for his right to write and publish them... people still find that incredibly inspiring." (38:03)