Product Description

Much of our knowledge of the first three centuries of Christianity comes from Eusebius, the first great historian of the Christian faith. This full-color edition is a standard reference work on the early church. (20040603)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #215612 in Books
• Published on: 1999-09-28
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 416 pages

Review
Biblical Worldview : While there are numerous editions of The Church History, none compares with this one.

Forum Letter : A masterful translation.

Atlanta Constitution-Journal : A pleasant and accessible introduction to this important resource for church history.

Response : A publication with enduring value.

Christian Library Journal : A very high quality translation of a very important work.

Restoration Quarterly : Eminently enjoyable.

Ken Curtis Christian History Institute : Eusebius, as the first church historian, gave us a priceless treasure. . . . Now Dr. Paul Maier in his new translation and commentary brings this resource in its most accessible and convenient form to modern readers.

Northwest Baptist Witness : Far and away the best [translation] on the market.

Michael L. Sherer Metro Lutheran News : Maier has done something for ordinary Christian pastors and lay people. He's brought the earliest years of the church back to life.

Mark Galli Editor Christian History Magazine : There is no book more important to understanding the early church than Eusebius's Church History . And there is no edition more readable and engaging than this one.

Mark A. Noll McManis Professor of Christian Thought Wheaton College : Well-translated, carefully-introduced edition of ancient texts are the lifeblood of real history. . . . Kregel's publication of a new translation of Eusebius's Church History by Paul L. Maier is, therefore, an important event.

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Greek

About the Author
Paul L. Maier is the Russell H. Seibert Professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University. He received his Ph.D. summa cum laude from the University of Basel, the first American ever to do so. Frequently interviewed for national radio, television, and newspapers, Maier is the author of numerous articles and books, both fiction and nonfiction, with several million books in print in sixteen languages. His publications include the award-winning translation, Josephus: The Essential Works.

Customer Reviews

Early Insight
Eusebius wrote from the 3rd century of things available to those of his time, some of which later became otherwise unavilable to us, and of the views and knowledge of early church members. Eusebius erred in some statements, but his statements that erred also reveal the mindset of some of the early church. This stimulating and informative work fills in gaps of information not otherwise available to thinkers on historical and spiritual matters.

One of the most important books that a Christian can own
Eusebius of Caesarea (c.263-c.339) is remembered to day as the father of Church history, as his history is the oldest one that has survived to today. (Actually, Hegesippus (c.110-c.180) wrote an earlier chronicle of his time, but all that has survived is the eight passages quoted by Eusebius.) Now, Eusebius was not a great historian, and his work has been correctly criticized for a number of issues, most notably the rambling style that makes his work dull and lifeless for the modern reader.

But, that said, what makes Eusebius's book so exciting is that he was alive and writing back in the very earliest days of the Church. Indeed, combining this book with the works of Josephus (37-100), from whom Eusebius quotes extensively, gives you a great look into the early years post-Christ.

So, while I admit that this book is rather slow and somewhat heavy to read, I do think that it is one of the most important books that a Christian can own. I very highly recommend this book!

church history
I read this book and I found it to be very useful in doing research on the record of Eusebius. I read some unfactual based reports of the Faith. The chapter on Book One has some statements that are in question as in regards to what the early Disciples taught.All in All it is a good book to read for any student.