Ascetics, Society, and the Desert: Studies in Early Egyptian Monasticism (Studies In Antiquity & Christianity) [Paperback]

James E. Goehring (Author)

Book Description

Series: Studies In Antiquity & Christianity | Publication Date: May 1, 1999

Basing his work on papyrological documentary sources, archaeology, and traditional literary sources, James Goehring gradually forces a new direction in understanding the evolution of monasticism. He rigorously examines these multiple sources, transforming them into a clear narrative and infusing the history of Egyptian monasticism with renewed energy. "This is a fine collection of essays. It reads well as a complete unit, displays the complexity of writing the history of Egyptian monasticism, and incorporates new kinds of documentary and archaeological evidence. It is first-rate scholarship impeccably argued and written. This book is a must for historians of monasticism and late antiquity, Egyptologists, religious studies teachers interested in spirituality, papyrologists, and anyone in the general public fascinated by the growth and development of religious communities." -- Richard Valantasis, St. Louis University "In these twelve essays, Goehring convincingly dismantles much previous scholarship regarding early Egyptian monasticism. Appealing to archaeological and papyrological evidence as well as to literary texts, he situates Pachomian monasticism in the midst of the economic and social life of its time. The diversity of Egyptian monasticism, in theology and in lifestyle, is here demonstrated. Highly readable and clearly argued. Goehring's books is a must for all scholars of early Christianity." -- Elizabeth A. Clark, Duke University James E. Goehring is Professor of Religion and Chair of the Department of Classics, Philosophy, and Religion at Mary Washington College, Fredericksburg, VA.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Goehring's writing...is a model of good academic prose: clear, well argued, and free of jargon. [An] excellent volume..." --Tim Vivian, reviewing for Religious Studies Review, October 1999 (Tim Vivian Religious Studies Review )

"This exceptionally fine collection of previously published essays offers a lucid account of early monastic organizations in Egypt, with nuanced attention to the power of rhetoric in shaping history. Readers old and new have much to (re)discover in this book..."--Georgia Frank, Colgate University, reviewing for Church History, March 2000 (Georgia Frank, Colgate University Church History )

"...this top-notch collection of articles offers readers fascinating windows into the world of early Egyptian monasticism. It is well researched, well written and...very readable...Anyone who is interested in early Christian asceticism will welcome this helpful volume and, for scholars whose interest and work lies in Roman Egypt and Egyptian monasticism, it is indispensable."--James V. Smith, reviewing for Anglican Theological Review (James V. Smith Anglican Theological Review )

"Lucidly written, convincingly argued, and altogether engaging, this book is a must for anyone interested in understanding the development of early Egyptian monasticism according to the latest scholarship and in appropriating for herself or himself a solid methodology for interpreting its literary sources." --Cassian DelCogliano, OCSO/St. Joseph’s Abbey, reviewing for Cistercian Studies Quarterly, 36.1 (2000) (Cassian DelCogliano, OCSO Cistercian Studies Quarterly )

Challenges all monastics to reshape the way they understand the origins and development of their own monastic history... A necessary book for any monastic library. (Matthias Neuman, O.S.B., Meinrad Archabbey, American Benedictine Review )

"Goehring's writing...is a model of good academic prose: clear, well argued, and free of jargon. [An] excellent volume..." --Tim Vivian, reviewing for Religious Studies Review, October 1999 (, Religious Studies Review )

"This exceptionally fine collection of previously published essays offers a lucid account of early monastic organizations in Egypt, with nuanced attention to the power of rhetoric in shaping history. Readers old and new have much to (re)discover in this book..."--Georgia Frank, Colgate University, reviewing for Church History, March 2000 (, Church History )

"...this top-notch collection of articles offers readers fascinating windows into the world of early Egyptian monasticism. It is well researched, well written and...very readable...Anyone who is interested in early Christian asceticism will welcome this helpful volume and, for scholars whose interest and work lies in Roman Egypt and Egyptian monasticism, it is indispensable."--James V. Smith, reviewing for Anglican Theological Review (, Anglican Theological Review )

"Lucidly written, convincingly argued, and altogether engaging, this book is a must for anyone interested in understanding the development of early Egyptian monasticism according to the latest scholarship and in appropriating for herself or himself a solid methodology for interpreting its literary sources." --Cassian DelCogliano, OCSO/St. Joseph’s Abbey, reviewing for Cistercian Studies Quarterly, 36.1 (2000) (, Cistercian Studies Quarterly )

From the Back Cover

Basing his work on papyrological documentary sources, archaeology, and traditional literary sources, James Goehring gradually forces a new direction in understanding the evolution of monasticism. He rigorously examines these multiple sources, transforming them into a clear narrative and infusing the history of Egyptian monasticism with renewed energy.

"This is a fine collection of essays. It reads well as a complete unit, displays the complexity of writing the history of Egyptian monasticism, and incorporates new kinds of documentary and archaeological evidence. It is first-rate scholarship impeccably argued and written. This book is a must for historians of monasticism and late antiquity, Egyptologists, religious studies teachers interested in spirituality, papyrologists, and anyone in the general public fascinated by the growth and development of religious communities." -- Richard Valantasis, St. Louis University

"In these twelve essays, Goehring convincingly dismantles much previous scholarship regarding early Egyptian monasticism. Appealing to archaeological and papyrological evidence as well as to literary texts, he situates Pachomian monasticism in the midst of the economic and social life of its time. The diversity of Egyptian monasticism, in theology and in lifestyle, is here demonstrated. Highly readable and clearly argued. Goehring's books is a must for all scholars of early Christianity." -- Elizabeth A. Clark, Duke University

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Trinity Press Int'l; 1 edition (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563382695
• ISBN-13: 978-1563382697
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,918,989 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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