About the Author

Karl Joseph Hefele (1809-1893), Roman Catholic prelate and church historian. Hefele followed his teacher Mohler at Tubingen in 1836, where he remained until his election as bishop in 1869. His edition of the 'Apostolic Fathers' was well respected and went through several editions. His work on the Epistle of Barnabas led the way to a more correct appreciation of the ancient document. But it is his work on the councils of the church for which he is most known.