A biography of French Catholic philosopher Maurice Blondel, authored by Boston College Professor of Philosophy Oliva Blanchette, has been honored with a first place 2011 Catholic Book Award in the category of biography by the Catholic Press Association (CPA) of the US and Canada.  The CPA called Maurice Blondel: A Philosophical Life “the first-ever, finest comprehensive, critical examination of the life and thought of Maurice Blondel. It recounts both his biographical history and philosophy, noting how this committed Catholic and critical philosopher engaged the thinkers of his era and had a tremendous impact on twentieth century theology and philosophy.” Blanchette has been on the BC faculty since 1964 and considers Blondel his “intellectual hero.” More