Historical Dictionary of Anglicanism

Reviews / Votes

Few people better are equipped to write a dictionary of Anglicanism than retired Anglican bishop Buchanan. A longstanding member of the Liturgical Commission of the Church of England and an author of classic works, he is one of a handful of people whose breadth of knowledge is sufficient for the task. This second edition-nearly 150 pages longer than the first (2006)-takes into account such recent controversial issues in the Anglican Communion as sexuality and the ordination of women to the episcopate. The broad topics covered include liturgical matters, ecumenical concerns, and missions, all within their historical contexts. Though there is no entry for Anglicanism per se, there is one for 'Anglican Communion,' which classically defines it as dioceses, provinces, or regional churches in communion with the see (archbishop) of Canterbury. Buchanan gives a history of the authority and controversies involving the complicated relationship throughout the churches, and one can find entries for churches in communion with the see of Canterbury. Appendixes list bishops and archbishops of Canterbury and historical unifying documents, and there is a detailed classified bibliography of sources. Anglicans represent the third-largest group of Christians in the world, with over 80 million adherents worldwide, so most libraries will want to own this book because there is nothing else like it. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readership levels. * Choice Reviews * [This] volume is indispensable for anyone taking up the study of Anglicanism. . . .The second edition of Buchanan's Historical Dictionary of Anglicanism represents an increase in size by fifty percent since the publication of the first edition in 2005. . . .The usefulness of this dictionary is that it lives up to its title. The reader will find concise but informed introductions to the whole web of Anglicanism past and present. This is the volume to go to when attempting to untangle the web of Anglican Communion officers, committees and structures. . . .For any research project, this bibliography is a helpful starting point. . . .[T]his one ought to be recommended and consulted by all scholars and students of Anglicanism. * Anglican and Episcopal History * A great strength of this volume is the attention given to matters within the time of the active ministry of the author.... Those wanting to know more about the highways and byways of the Communion will be admirably served here. * Anaphora * [A]n extraordinarily comprehensive and informative resource for getting a grasp on the historical breadth and depth of the Anglican tradition. . . . get a copy of the Historical Dictionary of Anglicanism in your library ASAP! It will be an invaluable asset to you in your studies about the history of the Anglican tradition. * Anglican Compass * This hardback volume from the former Bishop of Woolwich, a major figure in the Anglican church in recent times, offers a splendid reference for religious historians, theologians and researchers....a fascinating picture of one of the largest and most varied Christian denominations. * Publishing News * ...will be closely consulted, and thus valued... * American Reference Books Annual * ...contains information on people and events, ideas and institutions, liturgy and worship, places and Provinces. Each entry is of a manageable length, and these are accompanied by a chronology, an introduction to Anglicanism, and a comprehensive bibliography. * Church Times * Probably no other living Anglican divine was better equipped by experience and learning to supervise so gigantic a project; but the astounding fact is that Colin Buchanan carried it out single-handedly...It must have been a labor of love, and one for which he has earned the gratitude of anyone who is a scholar, an Anglican, or both. * The Anglican Theological Review * ...commendable....useful... * Anvil: Journal of Theology and Mission * Considering the influence, history and rich diversity of the Anglican Communion it is rather extraordinary that, until now, there has not been a major reference work on Anglicanism worldwide. Bishop Colin Buchanan's Historical Dictionary fills this gap extremely well and will be greeted with much pleasure by scholars and students the world over. In my view, there is no one better equipped to fulfill this daunting task of scholarship. Colin Buchanan is well known as a first class liturgist, theologian, and teacher as well as a formidable debater. All these skills are on display in this excellent and long overdue book. -- George Carey, (Lord Carey of Clifton), former Archbishop of Canterbury 1991-2002