The Fathers for English Readers (14 vols.)

Frederick Watson brings together the writings of the Christian apologists of the second and third centuries, illuminating the “faith, hope, and patient endurance of the early Christians,” who influenced the moral and religious development of the church at a time when “the church and the world were open enemies. . . . [a] bitter struggle which ended in the victory of the church.”

Henry Scott Holland examines the apostolic age, highlighting such early Church Fathers as St. Clement of Rome, St. Ignatius, and St. Polycarp, and expounding upon the epistle of Barnabas and the Shepherd of Hermas.

Joseph Hirst Lupton celebrates St. John of Damascus as a poet, hymnist, and theologian of the early church. Lupton examines the writings and life events of St. John—particularly his connection with the rise of Islam. He expounds upon the Greek Church in the eighth century and the Iconoclastic controversy, and presents this influential Church Father’s sermons, hymns, scriptural commentaries, and writings on natural science.

British historian Alice Gardner presents the life of Synesius of Cyrene, as illustrated by his letters and other writings. Beginning with Synesius’ birth and education, Gardner paints a portrait of this early Church Father as a patriot, a country gentleman, a philosopher, a working bishop, and a champion of the church. She outlines his final days, and also includes two hymns by Synesius and a chronological summary of events.

This comprehensive biography of Clement of Alexandria by F.R. Montgomery Hitchcock examines Clement’s writings, philosophy, theology, doctrines, life, and character. Hitchcock offers a detailed look at Clement’s years in the city of Alexandria—including his family home, university life, and religious formation—as well as in the Catechetical School of Alexandria, and presents several texts that highlight Clement’s influence on the church and the development of Christianity.

This volume from influential Anglican theologian Charles Gore covers the life and work of Pope Leo the Great, the man who famously negotiated with Atila the Hun for Rome’s safety. A Doctor of the Church, Leo wrote the influential Tome that fleshed out Catholic Christology, and developed the doctrines of papal authority. Gore’s volume on Leo bolsters your library’s clout in patristics and church history, providing a thorough overview of the life and work of the third-longest reigning pope.

Gregory the Great, best known as the namesake of the Gregorian chant, was one of the most prolific writers to serve as pope, and the first pope to have come from a monastic background. Called the “last good Pope” by Calvin, Gregory greatly influenced Christian liturgy, and is one of the four original Doctors of the Church. James Barmby’s volume provides valuable insight into the history of Christian liturgy, monasticism, and the life and works of this great Church Father.

Saint Ambrose was archbishop of Milan and one of the most influential figures of the early church. Ambrose combated many heresies in the early church, most notably Arianism, and influenced Augustine of Hippo. Robinson Thornton’s volume on Ambrose provides historical insight into the church’s liturgy, theology, and early battles against heresy.

Perhaps no Christian writer outside the biblical canon has had a greater influence on Western thought than Augustine of Hippo. His Confessions and City of God left large marks in the philosophical landscape and are still widely read today in a range of disciplines. Edward L. Cutts’ volume on Augustine is an excellent introduction to this Church Father who continues to be relevant to anyone asking life’s greatest questions.

Saint Patrick, best known as Ireland’s patron saint, was a fifth-century missionary. E.J. Newell’s volume studies St. Patrick’s life, work, and writings. Newell’s work thoughtfully examines the man whose missionary work changed the religious complexion of Western Europe.

One of the four “Great” Latin fathers and an original Doctor of the Church, Saint Jerome translated the Latin Vulgate Bible, and the volume of his writings is second only to Augustine among early Church Fathers. Edward L. Cutts’ volume on Jerome is full of valuable insight into the history of Christian dogma and Bible translation and commentary.

This work covers the life and works of two of the early church’s most influential fourth-century Latin fathers: Hilary of Poitiers and Martin of Tours. John Gibson Cazenove’s work provides valuable insight into the development and spread of Christianity across Western Europe.

Bernard of Clairvaux was an influential twelfth-century churchman, responsible for the spread of the Cistercian order. Barnard’s writings also influenced Reformed thought, developing the doctrine of Sola Fide. Samuel J. Eales work provides valuable insight into the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages and the background of controversies that would shape centuries of church history.

Saint Bede’s monumental work, The Ecclesiastical History of the English People, earned him the title, “father of English history.” Bede also translated the Latin and Greek work of other Church Fathers, making their work accessible to a much wider audience. G.F. Browne’s work on Bede provides valuable insights into church historiography and the theological development of Western Europe in the Early Middle Ages.