Desert Christians An Introduction to the Literature of Early Monasticism

This examination of the development of monasticism in the deserts of Egypt is based on the study of its texts written by `some of Christianity's finest' storytellers. Although the book is structured around certain texts and authors, it is full of information about historical background and archaeological discoveries. Focusing on the period between 300 and 451, William Harmless examines in detail the works of specific writers including Antony and Pachiomus, the Desert Fathers, Evagrius Ponicus and John the Cassian. Harmless examines each text in detail, making comparison with earlier and contemporary works, and presents a full bibliography of primary and secondary sources.