<p>‘All in all… the volume enriches the deserving series “Translated Texts for Historians” with another worthy representative.’</p> <p>Translated from German: ‘Alles in allem... bereichert der Band die verdienstvolle Reihe der „Translated Texts for Historians“ um einen weiteren würdigen Vertreter.’ Raphael Brendel, <em>Zeitschrift für Geschichtswissenschaft</em></p>
<p>'A superb set of translations that are immensely readable and accompanied by extensive and meticulous notes and commentary that enable the reader to interpret and understand the texts in their varied aspects.' Mark DelCogliano, Journal of Early Christian Studies, Volume 32, Number 2, Summer 2024</p>
<p>'Brakke and Gwynn present a book that will be of great benefit to Athanasius research. They make texts available in English translation that have so far received too little attention. Research into social and religious history finds rich, unexploited material here.' Peter Gemeinhardt, Plekos 25, 2023</p>
This book presents the first complete English translation of all the known fragments of the Festal Letters. Introductions and annotations give the essential historical and literary background to the texts and how they illuminate Athanasius’ teachings and practice. The letters are supplemented by fresh translations of the Syriac Festal Index and the incomplete Historia acephala preserved in Latin, which furnish crucial evidence for the chronology of Athanasius’ career. Taken together, these works afford a more comprehensive picture of Athanasius as both bishop and pastor.
‘Overall, this is a volume for those who wish to gain a more rounded perspective on Athanasius, for those interested in the development of the liturgical year, and for those studying Egyptian Christianity. It is a welcome addition to this outstanding series.’
Geoffrey D. Dunn, University of Pretoria