Customer Reviews

A History of the English Church and People (Classics)

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Good translation of Bede's Historia Ecclesiastica (Although Colgrave's translation might be slightly more academically rigorous); as the previous comment stated, a critical read for the student of Christian History, or of Medieval England. Bede has been called "the Teacher of the whole Middle Ages," and for good reason (not, incidentally, because of this book in particular; it was not one of his most popular, acclaimed, or copied works, of which the venerable fellow had quite a few. His theological, chronological, and scientific works were among the more popular texts passed around in the century after his death, although quite a few copies of Historia Ecclesiastica do exist as well, which is the one of most interest to modern readers); Bede brought a methodology of documentation, sifting through sources, and synthesizing that served the writing of history well. For a fellow who spent his entire life within the monastic walls, he had quite a grip on what was going on in the world around him.

Fantasic work on Orthodox Christianity in the British Isles! Though Bede himself isn't a huge fan of the Celtic Christians, he does record a number of stories yet fails to every mention Saint Patrick of Ireland! He is a meticulous historian, though, far more than Eusebius of Ceasarea and that is why I trust Bede highly. It is unforunate that he died before completing more work than he did (aside from this, he only did a few works, each one is excellent, though). Throughout the work, Saint Bede constantly reinterates the lessons of the Gospel; kindness to everyone whom you meet, almsgivng, caring for the poor and oppressed, selflessness, poverty, and obedience to God.

A must read for anyone who is a serious student of Christian History, or even just Western Europe.

I also recommend this for Orthodox Christians. It is all too often that we forget Western Europe was once Orthodox Christian before the Papacy broke away. The perfect gift for a friend at an 'ethnic parish'!

e-mailed questions concerning description prior to purchased, all were answered & addressed. This book was as it was described & delivered rapidly.