"The Book of Saints: The Middle Era" is a collection of 154 brief writing from 23 fathers of Christianity, including names like Athanasius, John Chrysostom, Bernard of Clairvaux, and Thomas a Kempis. This 216-page collection reads like a devotional whose brief passages are easy to understand and worthy of deeper reflection and excavation.
Each passage -- which requires only a fraction of a page -- is preceded by a short introduction into the life of the historical figure whose writing is the subject of the particular reflection. Although each writing does not require much reading time, there is "space" for deeper reflection. Each passage is followed by a prayer or homily (etc) from another historical Christian figure. Finally, a short section entitled "Reflection" concludes the lesson, where a few applicable scripture passages are provided for deeper reflection or study.
This is not one of those books a person will likely read cover-to-cover in just a few sittings, but over the course of weeks or months. I think it is well organized and would be a good tool for someone looking for another style of "daily devotional", or even as a gift for an avid historian.
RATING: As far as "devotionals" are concerned, this is a good one; as for it being a historical treatise, you will be relieved not to suffer though mountains of books before arriving at the golden nuggets somewhere in the middle. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
DISCLAIMER: I received this book free of charge from Beacon Hill Books in exchange for my unbiased review of it. All opinions are mine and were not forced upon me to provide a positive review.
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