By far, the best history of Christianity I have found thus far. Johnson, author of The Quest for God does not shy away from the religious controversies which have plagued the religion over the centuries. Objective and fair. A fabulous history of the development of mankind's concept of monotheistic religion. Here are books for the serious student of Christian history.
Good research requires having original documents on hand when needed.
For those who want more specialized treatment of the Christian tradition, here is the set of books you need. Here is the story of a people and a faith told with the authority of a competent scholar in a lively style that makes reading church history both enjoyable and exciting. This book has become a standard text in colleges around the nation. The 100 Most Important Events in Christian History traces two thousand years of church history in one concise volume. It highlights the major people, events, and ideas that have shaped the long history of Christianity.