Overview

This title offers an unrivalled source of information about Early Christianity and late antiquity, from the earliest days of the Church, with particular coverage of the patristic period, to the period of John Damascene in the East and Bede in the West. Compiled by an internationally recognised team of 100 European and American scholars, the text is supplemented by a section of 44 coloured maps and over 300 pictures, many in colour. A great companion to this work is the Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages , edited by Andre Vauchez.

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9780227678954

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Reviews

This great encyclopedia wonderfully translated will be an indispensable resource for all scholars in the field. The coverage is extensive in breadth. In addition to the material on the Church Fathers, there is a wealth of information on places and themes. Of special interest are the extensive articles on themes. In its contribution to our understanding of the philosophical background of the patristic period, the Encyclopaedia has done a magnificent job. Cities are included, which is extremely useful, as it sets various Church Councils in their proper context. The treatment accorded to the various subjects is as fair and objective as one could expect, with little sign of scholarly or confessional bias. This encyclopaedia is an outstanding production, which libraries in particular will find an invaluable addition. Gerald Bray, in Anvil Vol. 9 An indispensable work of reference, providing a reliable guide not only for the beginner, but also for the expert ... An altogether remarkable work of scholarship deployed in a form that makes a huge mass of matter accessible and digestible. For years to come, the Encyclopedia of the Early Church will be a primary resource to turn to, whether in academic or in public libraries. Henry Chadwick, in Times Literary Supplement The Encyclopedia of the Early Church is a work of great importance and value. Within its period (up to the mid-8th century) the work covers a very wide range of subjects, each followed by a bibliography ... Turning the pages of the Encyclopedia, it is evident that the majority of the entries are concerned with people: the coverage is very comprehensive ... Geographical regions receive extensive treatment ... Perhaps the most original and valuable articles, however, are those on theological terms and concepts, on aspects of the Fathers' writings, and on the various religious and philosophical systems and cultural tendencies current in the patristic period ... A full list of interesting articles to be found in the Encyclopedia will come as a welcome surprise to someone browsing through the book; almost every page turned at random provides a seductive temptation to linger! ... For a book of this kind and scope the price is very reasonable: it deserves to be made available to all serious general readers and students of the period, and specialists will find it invaluable for their own bookshelves. Denis Bradley O.S.B., in Revue d'Histoire Ecclesiastique A full-scale encyclopedia covering the life, theology and growth of Christianity from New Testament times through to the mid-eighth century... A book worth waiting for ... The articles are succinct, authoritative, balanced and representative of a broad cross-section of traditions. The bibliographies ... and the splendid system of cross-referencing mean that additional lines of study can be pursued ... Encyclopedias are books to refer to for specific articles, but these compendious volumes encourage casual dipping as well. Either approach results in the garnering of wise, carefully controlled and interesting information. Novum Testamentum The authors are undoubtedly the experts in their fields. The whole is a splendid production which represents excellent value for money. The Encyclopedia is particularly strong on biographical information. It is excellent on archaeology and on iconography. I cannot think of a book I could more usefully own than these two substantial volumes. The publishers deserve congratulation. Michael Walsh, The Tablet A major new resource for students of the history of the Church down to the middle of the eighth century. There are not only articles on almost all imaginable topics, but also a number of other aids. The range of scholarship is enormous. There is a wide range of biographical material, sifting good evidence from bad. The editors have laboured greatly to earn our gratitude. Leslie Houlden A scholarly encyclopedia of Christian antiquity bringing together the results of modern research and making them widely available was most desirable. The Encyclopedia admirably fulfils the need. The bibliographies are superb. Especially useful is the synoptic table listing dates, secular events, ecclesiastical events, and cultural and doctrinal matters. The index is very detailed, making the work easy to use. This is surely an encyclopedia of lasting value. A splendid research tool presented attractively. R. Kevin Seasoltz, in Worship

Author Information

The Editor, Dr. Angelo di Berardino, is President and Professor of Patrology at the Augustinian Patristic Institute in Rome, and is considered to be one of the leading patristic scholars.

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