An Introduction to the Desert Fathers
Published on 29. May 2019
978-1-108-57615-4 (ISBN)
Description
Christian monasticism emerged in the Egyptian deserts in the fourth century AD. This introduction explores its origins and subsequent development and what it aimed to achieve, including the obstacles that it encountered; for the most part making use of the monks' own words as they are preserved (in Greek) primarily in the so-called Sayings of the Desert Fathers. Mainly focussing on monastic settlements in the Nitrian Desert (especially at Scete), it asks how the monks prayed, ate, drank and slept, as well as how they discharged their obligations both to earn their own living by handiwork and to exercise hospitality. It also discusses the monks' degree of literacy, as well as women in the desert and Pachomius and his monasteries in Upper Egypt. Written in straightforward language, the book is accessible to all students and scholars, and anyone with a general interest in this important and fascinating phenomenon.
Reviews / Votes
'... a valuable introduction for anyone interested in what is one of the most in?uential literatures in the history of Christianity.' Samuel Rubenso, Journal of Ecclesiastical History '... I commend and recommend this book to anyone interested in discovering more about the early desert monastics.' Tim Vivian, The American Benedictine ReviewMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises; 2 Maps
File size
3,71 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-108-57615-4 (9781108576154)
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
John Wortley
An Introduction to the Desert Fathers
Book
06/2019
Cambridge University Press
€32.50
Shipment within 15-20 days
John Wortley
An Introduction to the Desert Fathers
Book
06/2019
Cambridge University Press
€103.50
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Content
1. Desert Fathers; 2. Beginnings; 3. Becoming a monk; 4. Impediments to progress; 5. The object of the exercise; 6. Prayer; 7. Discretion; 8. Work; 9. Eating and drinking; 10. Hospitality and neighbourliness; 11. Women in the desert; 12. Literacy; 13. Heresy; 14. The Pachomian experiment.
