The Cambridge History of Early Christian Literature

Andrew Louth editor Lewis Ayres editor Frances Young editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:1st Apr '04

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The Cambridge History of Early Christian Literature cover

A systematic account of Christian literature in the period c.100–c 400.

Christian literature in the period c.100–c.400 constitutes one of the most influential textual oeuvres of any religion. The History offers a systematic account of that literature, considering the works of individual writers and surveying the social, cultural and doctrinal context within which Christian literature arose.The writings of the Church Fathers form a distinct body of literature that shaped the early church and built upon the doctrinal foundations of Christianity established within the New Testament. Christian literature in the period c.100–c.400 constitutes one of the most influential textual oeuvres of any religion. Written mainly in Greek, Latin and Syriac, Patristic literature emanated from all parts of the early Christian world and helped to extend its boundaries. The History offers a systematic account of that literature and its setting. The works of individual writers in shaping the various genres of Christian literature is considered, alongside three general essays, covering distinct periods in the development of Christian literature, which survey the social, cultural and doctrinal context within which Christian literature arose and was used by Christians. This is a landmark reference book for scholars and students alike.

'In sum: this is a fine and important book, with excellent essays.' Church Times
'As no-one can keep abreast of every aspect of the discipline, this volume will be useful even to specialists who may not be fully aware of developments outside their immediate field of interest. … this is a most useful book which will be of great help to anyone who needs a guide to part or all of the period which it covers.' Evangelical Quarterly
'… the most exhaustive treatment of early Christian literature in quite some time, and is an indispensable reference work.' Religious Studies Review
'The Cambridge History of early Literature is a first-rate work of Scholarship. it will be a welcome addition to those handy reference shelves and may well bump some works that are already there to a lower place.' Scottish Journal of Theology
'The Cambridge History of Early Christian Literature is a first-rate work of scholarship. it will be a welcome addition to those handy reference shelves and may well bump some works that are already there to a lower place.' Journal of SJT
'There are three standard approaches to the study of ancient Christianity. One is historical, another is theological, and finally a third approach is literary. … The present Cambridge history masterfully integrates these three approaches into one volume, which its editors rightly hope will become 'a standard work of reference.' It is indeed a superb volume, which as its title indicates surveys early Christian literature from its beginnings up to the middle of the fifth century.' Gregorianum
'This volume will certainly stand both as a statement of the progress made so far in this field and as a prospectus for future …' Journal of Theological Studies

ISBN: 9780521460835

Dimensions: 236mm x 161mm x 39mm

Weight: 1026g

566 pages