
Self-Portrait in Three Colors
Gregory of Nazianzus's Epistolary Autobiography
Bradley K. Storin(Author)
University of California Press
1st Edition
Published on 3. September 2019
Book
Hardback
276 pages
978-0-520-30413-0 (ISBN)
Description
A seminal figure in late antique Christianity and Christian orthodoxy, Saint Gregory of Nazianzus published a collection of more than 240 letters. Whereas these letters have often been cast aside as readers turn to his theological orations or autobiographical poetry for insight into his life, thought, and times, Self-Portrait in Three Colors focuses squarely on them, building a provocative case that the finalized collection constitutes not an epistolary archive but an autobiography in epistolary form-a single text composed to secure his status among provincial contemporaries and later generations. Shedding light on late-ancient letter writing, fourth-century Christian intelligentsia, Christianity and classical culture, and the Christianization of Roman society, these letters offer a fascinating and unique view of Gregory's life, engagement with literary culture, and leadership in the church. As a single unit, this autobiographical epistolary collection proved a powerful tool in Gregory's attempts to govern the contours of his authorial image as well as his provincial and ecclesiastical legacy.
Reviews / Votes
"Storin offers a thought-provoking analysis. . . . [and the] book is a welcome addition to the scholarship on Gregory's self-presentation and will certainly stimulate further discussion about the ways we read his letter collection." * Bryn Mawr Classical Review * "Provides clear and succinct introductions to several aspects of the social and intellectual life of Late Antiquity. It is, moreover, a commendable illustration of how these insights can be applied to specific texts." * Scoreboard for Classical Studies * "Will prove valuable not only to scholars of Gregory or ancient epistolography, but all those interested in the interdependent constructions of rhetoric, philosophy, and the self in late antiquity."* Ancient Jew Review * "Self-Portrait in Three Colors adds nuance and depth to our understanding of the life and times of Gregory of Nazianzus." * Reading Religion * "Indispensable." * Augustiniana *
More details
Series
Edition
First Edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Berkerley
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
544 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-520-30413-0 (9780520304130)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
09/2019
1st Edition
Naval Institute Press
€93.99
Available for download
Person
Bradley K. Storin is Assistant Professor of the History of Christianity in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Louisiana State University.
Content
Acknowledgments
Note on Translations
1. An Epistolary Autobiography
2. The Architecture of the Letter Collection
3. "The Most Eloquent Gregory"
4. "Father of Philosophers"
5. "Basilist"
Epilogue
Abbreviations
Notes
Works Cited
Index of Gregory's Epistulae
Index of Subjects
Note on Translations
1. An Epistolary Autobiography
2. The Architecture of the Letter Collection
3. "The Most Eloquent Gregory"
4. "Father of Philosophers"
5. "Basilist"
Epilogue
Abbreviations
Notes
Works Cited
Index of Gregory's Epistulae
Index of Subjects