Encyclopedia of Ancient Christianity
"TheEncyclopedia of Ancient Christianityis a major milestone in patristic research and an indispensable tool for all serious scholars of Christian Antiquity in the twenty-first century. IVP has put us all in its debt by bringing out the English version of Di Berardino's magisterialNuovo dizionario patristico e di antichità cristiane(2006-2008). The 1992 English version of the first edition (1983) soon proved itself to be one of the most important reference works for scholars of early Christianity. The updating of the Italian original expanded the coverage of the dictionary by more than 35 percent and greatly widened its philosophical and methodological premises. Now with more than three thousand articles covering the period from the Apostolic Fathers to the eighth century, and with an expanded sense of the multinationalism of the early church, this breathtaking new edition has no rival. It will be a required volume in all significant libraries, and ought to have a prominent place of honor in all presbyteries and seminaries, as well as on the bookshelves of all those seriously interested in what the early church achieved, both intellectually and institutionally." (V. Revd. Prof. John A. McGuckin, Ane Marie and Bent Emil Nielsen Professor in Late Antique and Byzantine Church History, Union Theological Seminary, New York)"If students of early Christianity were to have a new 'bible' it would undoubtedly be theEAC. For decades, theEAC's predecessors were invariably my first point of reference for authoritative articles on all aspects of early Christian personalities, writings, beliefs and practices. The newly revised and expandedEncyclopedia of Ancient Christianity, providing a most welcome English version of the latest Italian edition plus thirty completely new entries, is already my constant new scholarly companion." (William Tabbernee, Distinguished Professor of the History of Christianity (emeritus), Phillips Theological Seminary, and past president, North American Patristics Society)"This is a translation and updating of a classic and exhaustive work of reference produced by the Institutum Patristicum Augustinianum in Rome. Now expanded by more than a third, it has no equivalent in English and in its revised form will remain a trusted starting place as the field of early Christianity continues to expand." (Iain R. Torrance, Pro-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, former President of Princeton Theological Seminary)"The three-volumeEncyclopedia of Ancient Christianityis an extraordinary achievement, with more than one-third more articles than the earlierEncyclopedia of the Early Churchand thirty more articles than the Italian original. The distinctive strengths of the newEncyclopediaare numerous articles on persons, individual entries on apocryphal works and pieces on many topics from Christian archaeology. With more than thirty-two hundred articles, theEncyclopediais a unique work of reference, essential for all scholars concerned with ancient Christianity. This splendid book will soon establish itself as the standard resource for essential information and up-to-date bibliographies in its area." (Fr. Joseph T. Lienhard, S.J., Professor of Theology, Fordham University)"This new publication of the classicEncyclopedia of Ancient Christianity,with significant revisions, updating and new material, is a major event in the scholarly study of the early church in the English-speaking world. The time is long past when patristics/matristics could be ignored by anyone seriously interested in the Bible, ecumenism or any branch of the theological disciplines. This book is an essential tool for all who pursue such work." (Timothy George, Dean of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University and general editor of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture)"The new edition of theEncyclopedia of Ancient Christianitybuilds on the excellent first edition and contains more than five hundred new articles and greater depth than its predecessor. Up-to-date bibliographies complement articles on persons, theological concepts, literature and law, from Ireland to China, including many entries not found in other reference works. The interdisciplinary approach and the additional coverage of the early Middle Ages makes this a must-have reference work for libraries and individual scholars." (Maureen A. Tilley, Fordham University, New York)"A venerable reference work just got even better. This second English-language edition of the Augustinianum's indispensableDizionario patristicooffers considerably expanded coverage and updated bibliographies. No less important, its newly written articles capture the exciting changes that have revolutionized the study of ancient Christianity in the two decades since the first edition appeared. It is destined for a place on the shelves of every student and scholar interested in the texts, society and history of this transformational period." (Dennis Trout, University of Missouri)"Those who open theEncyclopedia of Ancient Christianitywill discover that they have happened upon a treasure trove. Rich with the introductory material most useful to the beginning student of Christianity's first eight hundred years, the articles also include insights that advise the specialist and divulge the expertise of their authors. For those seeking an orientation to the complexity of thought, practice, events and social issues of early Christianity, thisEncyclopediais now the most thorough and current source." (D. Jeffrey Bingham, Associate Dean of Biblical and Theological Studies, Wheaton College)"Scholars and students will be delighted to know that this superb reference work has been thoroughly and successfully updated, while some earlier articles by key scholars have been retained but with updated bibliographies. TheEACoffers comprehensive coverage of people, places and topics with brief minor articles and detailed major ones (e.g., Athanasius, baptism). This is a must-have for the institutional library as well as the researcher's personal collection." (Joseph F. Kelly, Professor of Church History, John Carroll University, and past president of the North American Patristics Society)"For two decades, theEncyclopedia of the Early Churchhas been a most valuablevademecumfor scholars, students, teachers and preachers. The good news is that now it's even better, with five hundred new articles and fresh research, in this splendid newEncyclopedia of Ancient Christianity.A sure guide to spiritual, moral and theological challenges of today is the wisdom of the past, and here we have it in a most attractive and helpful volume." (Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York)"This is really a work of Mediterranean origin, grown organically from the previous fine stock in ever-rich soil and now adapted for export under expert guidance. The authors are to be congratulated for a work of catholic character. There is an impressive balance between places, people, events, movements and doctrines. Some of the newly commissioned articles (on subjects like 'Death' and with a feeling for 'fringe' movements and places) make it as comprehensive as one could get. A boon for those operating at all levels of scholarship." (Mark W. Elliott, Reader in Church History, School of Divinity, University of St Andrews)"It is a huge blessing to have available in English what is probably the best current reference work on early Christianity. The range of coverage is exceptionally good and the bulk of the entries represent the most solid contemporary scholarship. It is an invaluable instrument of study." (Rowan Williams, Master, Magdalene College, University of Cambridge, former Archbishop of Canterbury)"Anyone who has ever used Di Berardino's well-knownEncyclopediawill be extremely grateful for this considerably expanded and updated English translation of the second edition of the Italian original. An admirably wide and authoritative coverage of authors and places, archaeology, iconography and liturgy are also well represented, making thisEncyclopediaa truly superb resource." (Sebastian Brock, Emeritus Fellow of Wolfson College, University of Oxford)"The greatly expandedEncyclopedia of Ancient Christianityprovides a comprehensive, up-to-date presentation of the life and thought of the early church. Its impressive scholarship opens the first centuries of Christian life to fruitful examination and appreciation. It is a welcome and indispensable resource for all who wish to grow in knowledge of the foundational period of Christianity." (Donald Cardinal Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington)"This wonderful new and greatly expandedEncyclopedia of Ancient Christianityis the very best reference work on the foundational period of Christian thought and life available in English. We all owe Angelo Di Berardino a great debt for once again assembling a masterful team of scholars and producing a reference work that will last for a generation." (Lewis Ayres, Professor of Catholic and Historical Theology, Durham University)"Words fail me for celebrating the fullness and excellence of this unique pioneer compendium, which brings together just about everything that is known about the first eight Christian centuries. A must-have for libraries, it will prove an invaluable resource for scholars and students alike. All praise to IVP for making it available to us English readers who could not handle the original Italian." (J. I. Packer, Board of Governors' Professor of Theology, Regent College)"When Tom Oden is asked about these volumes his excitement nearly overwhelms the conversation,  which is understandable. This will become one of the more important works for English readers for decades." (Jerry Pattengale, Executive Director, Green Scholars Initiative)"The revised and expandedEncyclopedia of Ancient Christianityis certain to become the standard work of reference for patristics and the study of Late Antiquity. The range of subjects covered by the articles is astounding, including virtually everyone about whom anything at all is known, as well as geography, literary and legal culture, art and symbolism, architecture and liturgy. These articles, together with their extensive and up-to-date bibliographies, make theEncyclopediathe portal of choice to the world of Late Antiquity." (Andrew Louth, Professor Emeritus of Patristic and Byzantine Studies, Durham University)"That the most comprehensive and informative dictionary of patristics and Christian antiquity will now be available to the English-speaking public is truly epic and a major contribution to students and professionals. No other dictionary remotely competes with theNuovo dizionario patristico e di antichità cristianefor the quality of its scholarship and the breadth of its entries. The English translation of this magnificent dictionary will be a necessity for every theological school or seminary. Thank you, InterVarsity Press, for this wonderful effort!" (William C. Weinrich, Professor of Early Church Studies, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana)