Table of Contents

1: Earliest Dormition Traditions
2: Palestinian Cult of the Virgin
3: Rival Traditions of Mary's Death
4: Prehistory and Origins of the Dormition Traditions
AppendicesA. The Ethiopic Liber Requiei
B. Earliest Greek Dormition Narrative
C. Fifth-Century Syriac Fragments
D. The Ethiopic 'Six Books'
E. (Ps.-) Evodius of Rome
F. Jacob of Serug
G. Palm Narrative Parallels

About the Author

Stephen J. Shoemaker is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, University of Oregon

Reviews

This is a masterful study, and the author is to be congratulated on his achievement. International Review of Biblical Studies ...Essential for the study of Mary in Early Christianity. Sandra L. Zimdars-Swartz ... impressive ... both rich and illuminating: it offers many new insights on the development of legends surrounding the departure of the Mother of God from earthly life and her sojourn in paradise thereafter ... a valuable contribution to the field. Shoemaker treats both primary and secondary sources comprehensively and skilfully, adding critical and imaginative insights to the work which has been done in the field. Sobornost ... the book's extensive bibliography is impressive ... The thesis is meticulously referenced with full and detailed footnotes ... Shoemaker's scholarship in this area will make his a name to reckon with in the future. The Journal of Theological Studies ... learned survey of the literary, archaeological, and liturgical sources for early traditions of the Dormition. Bryn Mawr Classical Review