`Binns is good on the topographical context, which he has observed
closely ... He is good also on the monks as artisans and craftsmen
and their relation to local markets. Binns' physical descriptions
are exceedingly fresh ... a most thorough and comprehensive
study.'
Dr. Judith Pinnington, The Glastonbury Bulletin, No. 89, Feby
1995
`a welcome addition to historical scholarship, and one which
manifests a profound familiarity with both the literary sources for
the period and the findings of recent archaeological research ... a
book which deserves to be widely read'
Graham Gould, King's College, London, Journal of Ecclesiastical
History, vol 47, no 1 Jan '96
`a useful ... survey of the sources, material conditions, and
institutional developments of Palestinian monasticism in the fifth
and sixth centuries ... historians interested in early Christian
monasticism and Byzantine Palestine will find much of value in
Binns's careful scholarship.'
David Brakke, Indiana University, Bloomington, American Historical
Review, June 1996
`its real value is in providing a context for understanding the
hagiographical sources themselves ... Literary allusions in Cyril's
works provide a lens on the contents of monastic libraries,
revealing a remarkably literate and sophisticated monastic culture
... this book is the best treatment of Cyril available in
English.'
Derek Krueger, University of North Carolina, Religious Studies
Review, Volume 23, Number 1/January 1997
`In each of the three sections of the book, Binns makes a
contribution to our understanding of the era. The usefulness of
this book lies in the variety of materials it brings together in
one convenient study. It is peppered with lively scenes, with
telling (and compelling) anecdotes, and often with interesting
insights. The writer demonstrates a keen empathy for his subjects,
with solid results. We can be grateful to Binns for reminding us of
the rich
material here to be mined.'
Susan Ashbrook Harvey, Journal of Theological Studies, Vol. 48, No.
1 Apr '97
`The book contributes significantly to our understanding of certain
aspects of early Palestinian monasticism, especially its material
and social dimensions ... John Binn's encyclopedic ... work will
serve as a useful point of reference as scholars survey the terrain
ahead.'
Speculum - A Journal of Medieval Studies
`Binns provides here a well-documented summary of several decades
of modern research on the life and environment of early monks who
spent their lives of prayer and ascetic struggle within a few days'
journey of the holy places ... What is most useful in this book is
its detail, particularly its abundant bibliographical information
and its use of archaeological and geographical data to reconstruct
the physical world of the early Palestinian monks ... a
valuable resource for anyone wishing to study ancient sources
intelligently.'
Church History
`It draws heavily on contemporary source materials which are
examined in a thorough and scholarly manner. The author has left
few stones unturned ... This is a comprehensive and fascinating
study which will be of immense value both for Patristic scholars
and students of monasticism.'
Palestine Exploration Quarterly
'...a wonderful portrait of a way of life which was fully
integrated into the life of the Church and of the Empire. This book
earns a special place in the libraries of both students and
scholars of history, Patristics, and Theology. Anybody interested
in ancient Christian spirituality and desert monasticism will find
in this book a thought-provoking opus. Indeed Binns has
successfully given the master stroke in illustrating a more
balanced view of monastic
life: ascesis and apostolate...'
Ask a Question About this Product More... |