The Oxford Illustrated History of Christianity (Oxford Illustrated Histories) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198229283 ISBN 13: 9780198229285

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1990

Synopsis

Spanning two thousand years of stirring religious, cultural and political events, this lavishly illustrated volume--the latest addition to the acclaimed Oxford Illustrated History series--provides the most authoritative and accessible history of Christianity ever published for the general reader.
The impact of Christianity on world civilization is almost incalculable, and in exploring this rich heritage, nineteen leading scholars range from the earliest origins to the present day to examine virtually every aspect of the faith. They discuss the apostle Peter and Roman Emperor Constantine, describe the role of Charlemagne in the expansion of the religion, and assess medieval scholasticism and the influence of Thomas Aquinas. The profound changes that occurred during both the Reformation and the Enlightenment are fully treated in chapters that offer revealing portraits of such key figures as Erasmus, Luther, Calvin, Wesley, and Rousseau. Fully one third of the book covers Christianity since 1800--with special studies of the faith as practiced in Britain and Europe, North and South America, Africa, India, and the Far East--offering a compelling continuous narrative filled with insight into the enormously diverse Christian world. In the final chapters, the authors consider questions of contemporary Christian theology, conscience and belief, and explore new concepts of Christian community.
Over 350 beautiful illustrations--including 32 full color plates--grace the text, ranging from mosaics, paintings and sculptures, to architecture and modern art. There are also ten maps, a chronology of important events, and an annotated guide to further reading.
Throughout, the book reflects the changing world in which Christians have found themselves, and the many ways in which, individually and through the institutions of the church, they in turn have influenced history. Comprehensive, vividly narrated, and exquisitely produced, this magnificent book captures the richness and vitality of Christian thought and culture throughout the ages. It is hard to imagine a more meaningful holiday gift.

About this title

About the Author:

About the Editor:
John McManners is Emeritus Professor of Ecclesiastic History and Fellow and Chaplain of All Souls College, Oxford. An established authority in his field, he has written many popularly acclaimed books, including Death and the Enlightenment, which won Britain's Wolfson Literary Award for History and was chosen by The Times as one of the ten best non-fiction books of the year.

Review:

`The contributors...write easily and lucidly, so that issues of great complexity and much scholarly contention are introduced and explained with such facility that the reader is often scarcely aware of the rocky terrain through which he has been guided.' Edward Norman, TLS

`an enormous work...full of wise insights, balance of information, reliable scholarship and precision of writing...The illustrations are splendid. Edward Norman, TLS

`this superb book...beautifully produced' Sunday Telegraph

`Written by a team of scholars, this has to be the most comprehensive of recent histories.'
Jenne Hatton, The Universe

`richly illustrated book ... a uniquely authoritative history of Christianity for the general reader ... Authoritative, comprehensive, and highly readable, this book captures the richness and vitality of Christian art and thought in a wide variety of cultures and times.'
Baptist Times

`Well worth a read'
The Irish Catholic

`authoritative history'
Publishing News

`an undoubted bargain'
Michael Walsh, The Tablet

`issues of great complexity and much scholarly contention are introduced and explained with such facility that the reader is often scarcely aware of the rocky terrain through which he has been guided ... the illustrations of this book are splendid ... all are carefully related to the text with
such skill that they are not illustrative additions but actually amplify the intellectual analysis.'
Times Literary Supplement

`the quality of the 350 illustrations and 32 colour plates, and the compelling nature of the captions quickly drew me into the text...imaginative in scholarship...a marvellous Christmas present' The Door - Oxford Diocesan Magazine

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0198229283
• ISBN 13: 9780198229285
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 768
• Editor: McManners John