Encyclopedia of Early Christianity, Second Edition (Garland Reference Library of the Humanities) (Paperback)

~ E. Ferguson (Author) "Syriac theologian, writer, hymnographer. Aba was one of the early Syriac theologians from the circle of Ephraem of Syria..." (more)
Key Phrases: recueil des synodes nestoriens, six eparchies, fontium historiae medii aevi, New York, Old Testament, Holy Spirit (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Since the first edition of this major reference work appeared (LJ 5/1/90), it has been extensively revised and enlarged, adding 32 writers, 268 entries, and approximately 230 pages. Bibliographies are updated, errors corrected, and more maps, plans, and illustrations (not seen) added. Entries are kept as nontechnical as possible (definitions are given where applicable) and offer such items as subject, antecedents, chronological or topical development within early Christianity, and a list of the main patristic sources. Remarkably successful in its aim to be comprehensive for the period, the book ranges from the life of Jesus to the seventh century, although a few modern scholars, institutes, journals, etc., important to the field are included. Although the Bible is treated only in relation to its use in postbiblical development, that coverage has been expanded, as has coverage of the extension of Christianity into the East; historical context has been strengthened as well. This substantive reference work will continue to appeal to general readers and students as well as specialists. Highly recommended.?Eugene O. Bowser, Univ. of Northern Colorado, Greeley
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

...concise and reliable information. Highly recommended as a core title in all personal and professional Christian historical studies collections. -- The Midwest Book Review
It is a testimony to the vitality and breadth of early Christian studies in North America. It is also testimony to the perceptive editing and revising skills of Everett Ferguson and his associate editors, Michael McHugh and Frederick Norris. -- The Catholic Historical Review
[I]ndispensable for the scholar for its concise and accurate information as well as the basic and updated bibliography for every entry. We commend the editor, contributors and publisher for this major achievement and valuable reference on the early Church. -- Coptic Church Review
...provides a useful orientation to the major topics, the scholarly issues, and the literature through which to begin exploring an important but complex set of places, times, and people. -- Church History
Remarkably successful in its aim to be comprehensive...This substantive reference work will continue to appeal to general readers and students as well as specialists. Highly recommended. -- Library Journal
Information is presented thoroughly but in a way that enables it to be understood by nonexperts...Recommended especially for libraries serving graduate and undergraduate students of early Christianity and for other libraries needing a good, up-to-date reference work on this subject. -- Choice
The second edition of Encyclopedia of Early Christianity, like the first, will be useful for general readers, students and scholars-the clientele of large public, academic, and theological libraries. -- Reference Books Bulletin
This extensively augmented new edition will ensure its rapid inclusion in libraries supporting serious study of antiquity...lavishly produced. -- Religious Studies Review
The strength of the work is in the clear and concise writing of the articles...a valuable resource that will certainly be a standard reference source for years to come. I highly recommend this work. -- The Master's Seminary Journal
One of the top reference works on the subject, demand that your local library purchase a copy. -- Christian History
I highly recommend this excellent tool. It is a must have, indispensable for libraries, large and small. Truly a starting point for the study of the Early Church Fathers. It will be the centerpiece for any study of early Christianity. It is my top choice for most scholarly and valuable resource so far this year. Again, my highest recommendation! -- Critical Review
This is nothing short of a remarkable achievement. An excellent set which should be a 'must' reference in any religious school's library. -- The Bookwatch
Information is presented thoroughly but in a way that enables it to be understood by nonexperts. Recommended especially for libraries serving graduate and undergraduate students of early Christianity and for other libraries needing a good, up-to-date reference work on this subject. -- Choice
[H]ighly recommended. -- ARBA 98

...concise and reliable information. Highly recommended as a core title in all personal and professional Christian historical studies collections. -- The Midwest Book Review
It is a testimony to the vitality and breadth of early Christian studies in North America. It is also testimony to the perceptive editing and revising skills of Everett Ferguson and his associate editors, Michael McHugh and Frederick Norris. -- The Catholic Historical Review
[I]ndispensable for the scholar for its concise and accurate information as well as the basic and updated bibliography for every entry. We commend the editor, contributors and publisher for this major achievement and valuable reference on the early Church. -- Coptic Church Review
...provides a useful orientation to the major topics, the scholarly issues, and the literature through which to begin exploring an important but complex set of places, times, and people. -- Church History
Remarkably successful in its aim to be comprehensive...This substantive reference work will continue to appeal to general readers and students as well as specialists. Highly recommended. -- Library Journal
Information is presented thoroughly but in a way that enables it to be understood by nonexperts...Recommended especially for libraries serving graduate and undergraduate students of early Christianity and for other libraries needing a good, up-to-date reference work on this subject. -- Choice
The second edition of Encyclopedia of Early Christianity, like the first, will be useful for general readers, students and scholars-the clientele of large public, academic, and theological libraries. -- Reference Books Bulletin
This extensively augmented new edition will ensure its rapid inclusion in libraries supporting serious study of antiquity...lavishly produced. -- Religious Studies Review
The strength of the work is in the clear and concise writing of the articles...a valuable resource that will certainly be a standard reference source for years to come. I highly recommend this work. -- The Masters Seminary Journal
One of the top reference works on the subject, demand that your local library purchase a copy. -- Christian History
I highly recommend this excellent tool. It is a must have, indispensable for libraries, large and small. Truly a starting point for the study of the Early Church Fathers. It will be the centerpiece for any study of early Christianity. It is my top choice for most scholarly and valuable resource so far this year. Again, my highest recommendation! -- Critical Review
This is nothing short of a remarkable achievement. An excellent set which should be a must reference in any religious schools library. -- The Bookwatch
Information is presented thoroughly but in a way that enables it to be understood by nonexperts. Recommended especially for libraries serving graduate and undergraduate students of early Christianity and for other libraries needing a good, up-to-date reference work on this subject. -- Choice
[H]ighly recommended. -- ARBA 98

This is nothing short of a remarkable achievement: over 150 scholars with varied academic credentials contribute to a set which assimilates and details a huge mass of research and religious historical discoveries, presenting over 1,200 entries which explore all aspects of early Christianity. This second edition enlarges and vastly expands upon the original, including new treatments of saints, worship practices and modern scholarship, along with new focuses on biblical books and social history. An excellent set which should be a 'must' reference in any religious school's library. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 1212 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 2 edition (January 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0815333196
• ISBN-13: 978-0815333197
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.8 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #536,081 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have, July 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Early Christianity: Second Edition (Garland Reference Library of the Humanities) (Hardcover)

This extensive reference guide is a must buy for anyone who is interested in any serious study of the early church. The entries are up to date with recent scholarship, and are written in a very clear and concise manner. The editors have covered nearly every point of interest in early Christianity. Unfortunately, the price puts this work out of reach for most students.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great resource, December 21, 2005

By	matt (the reading room) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

While it doesn't have everything you want to know, as has been noted by some reviewers, it is still the best one-stop reading for a good introduction to the topic of early Christianity in all of its great variety. 167 contributors (including W.H.C. Frend, Bruce Metzger, Boniface Ramsey, Theodore Stylianopoulis and Robert Wilken, Jaroslav Pelikan) and 1,244 entries with extensive bibliographies for more research.

Enjoy!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Outstanding Collection, January 24, 2001

By A Customer

This is an excellent resource for students, pastors, scholars and people in the pews. The scholarship is of the highest level but the book is also very readable. The paperback version is reasonably priced.