Reviews

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