The Golden Age of Greek Patristic Literature

I reviewed this originally in 2000, and the work has been a constant help to me ever since. However readers may wish to know that further volumes now exist in Italian, edited by Angelo di Berardino (who did vol. 4). Most excitingly the first of these is now available in English: Patrology: The Eastern Fathers from the Council of Chalcedon (451) to John of Damascus (750). This is 'volume 5' of Quasten. A further volume exists only in Italian, covering further Latin fathers. Neither of the additional volumes are of the same quality as vol. 4, but anyone who wants all 4 volumes of Quasten probably wants vol. 5 also. That takes the story of the Eastern fathers up to John Damascene (ca. 750 AD).

I requested this 4 volume set on Monday morning and I received it in nearly perfect condition on my door step by Friday afternoon. Great Price, Great Product. I referred this offer to my fellow Diaconate Candidates taking my class with me.

Quasten reviews the life and works of every Christian writer from the apostolic fathers to the end of the Patristic period. An extensive bibliography is given, containing editions of the work, translations and studies. Attention is also paid to manuscript traditions for the works. The detail is fullest for the earlier writers - later ones are still treated in a lot of detail, but volume constrains the data somewhat.Vol I - From the Apostolic Creed to Irenaeus.Vol II - The Ante-Nicene Literature after Irenaeus.Vol III - The Golden age of Greek Patristic Literature.Vol IV - The Golden Age of Latin Patristic Literature.The first three volumes date to the mid-1950's - the last to 1986. Consequently the bibliography for the earlier volumes needs to be updated by reference to a comprehensive bibliography such as L'Annee Philologique for each author and work.The work is a triumph of detail and essential as a starting point and reference for anyone interested in the Fathers. It is easily the quickest way to discover what works were written by which father, and where to get an edition/translation of it. Even for specialists, it will be useful as a first point of investigation. A book to return to again and again. Recommended, with the only qualification being the age of the first 3 volumes.