Athanasius and Constantius: Theology and Politics in the Constantinian Empire
Barnes's contribution to late Roman studies has been of the first importance.  He often plays the role of devil's advocate, scrutinizing our preconceptions about the period and provoking us to think again about issues of central importance...Barnes has provided us with another masterpiece of historical reconstruction.  A lucid narrative is supported by appendices and notes so detailed that they take up more than one-third of the book...No review can really do Barnes's work justice and it is impossible not to admire its richness...At a time when such studies are unfashionable, it is good to know that they have a defender of remarkable calibre. (Mark HumphriesClassical Review)An indispensable chart for the tricky waters of fourth-century history. [Barnes>] has written another classic. (John F. DrinkwaterThe Historian)