The Greek and Latin Fathers of the Church are central to the creation of Christian doctrine and the establishment of the Christian Church as a social entity in the first five centuries AD. Students of theology, religion, late antiquity and the early Middle Ages constantly encounter the names of these writers; yet most of them are dauntingly inaccessible to the student because of the volume of their writings and the relative paucity of available translations.
This series makes available translations of key selected texts by the major Fathers, for the use of all students of the early church. Each volume is the work of a distinguished scholar and theologian, who has selected and translated the most representative texts of the author in question. Each volume contains a long introduction setting the subject in his historical and philosophical context, as well as a brief introduction and notes on the translations.
By Andrew Louth
May 22, 1996
St Maximus the Confessor, the greatest of Byzantine theologians, lived through the most catastrophic period the Byzantine Empire was to experience before the Crusades. This book introduces the reader to the times and upheavals during which Maximus lived. It discusses his cosmic vision of humanity ...
By John Moorhead
May 19, 2005
Gregory's life culminated in his holding the office of pope (590 - 604). He is generally regarded as one of the outstanding figures in the long line of popes, and by the late ninth century had come to be known as 'the Great'. Along with Ambrose, Jerome and Augustine, he played a critical role in ...
By Pauline Allen, C.T.R Hayward
January 10, 2005
In the first book to be devoted exclusively to Severus, well-known author in the field, Pauline Allen, focuses on a fascinating figure who is seen simultaneously as both a saint and a heretic. Part of our popular Early Church Fathers series, this volume translates a key selection of Severus' ...
By Khaled Anatolios
October 28, 2004
This book presents the fundamental elements of Athanasius' response to the central questions of the identity of Jesus and the nature of his relationship with God. Providing a useful introduction on his life and work, the book focuses on the tumultuous doctrinal controversies of the day in ...
By Geoffrey D. Dunn
July 21, 2004
This book is the first accessible introduction in English to Tertullian's works, providing translations of Adversus Iudaeos (Against the Jews), Scorpiace (Antidote for the Scorpion's Sting) and De Verginibus Velandis (On the Veiling of Virgins). Tertullian (c. AD 160 - 225) was one of the first ...
By Boniface Ramsey
September 08, 1997
St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan from 374 to 397, was one of the most important figures of the fourth century Roman empire. This volume explores the enormous impact of Ambrose on Western civilization, and examines the complexity of his ideas and influence; as a poet, ascetic, mystic and politician. ...
By Norman Russell
June 08, 2000
As a ruler of the church of Alexander and president of the Third Ecumenical Council of 431, Cyril was one of the most powerful men of the fifth century. Not only did he define the concept of christological orthodoxy for the next two centuries, but he is also often regarded as an unscrupulous cleric...
By Pauline Allen, Wendy Mayer
December 22, 1999
This book examines John Chrysostom's role as preacher and his pastoral activites as deacon, presbyter and bishop. It also provides fresh and lively translations of a key selection of sermons and letters....
By E.J. Yarnold S.J.
November 06, 2000
Cyril was bishop in Jerusalem from c350-351 AD until 386 AD. His writings are an important source for the history of early Christian doctrine. This book provides full English translations, with explanatory commentary, of his most important works. The introduction covers Cyril's life; his historical...
By Carolinne White
November 02, 2000
Christian Latin poetry from the fourth to sixth centuries was hugely influential on English and French medieval literature. In this, the first substantial overview of this poetry, Carolinne White sets the works in their literary and historical context, including translations of over thirty poems ...