Otto Bardenhewer (1851–1935) was Professor of New Testament Exegesis at Munich from 1886 to 1924. Following the success of his 1894 Patrologie (the 1908 English edition of which is also reissued), Bardenhewer went on to write this monumental five-volume history, in German, of early Christian literature from its beginnings to the seventh century. Published between 1902 and 1932, it was acclaimed for its thoroughness, clarity and sound judgment, and remains a standard work of reference. Volume 4 covers Greek and Latin texts from the fifth century, and Syriac works of the fourth and fifth centuries. Bardenhewer introduces each author and work, and outlines their critical reception and interpretation. The coverage includes Cyril of Alexandria, ascetic writings from Egypt, Pseudo-Dionysius, Ephraim the Syrian, and Augustine and his friends and adversaries. The westward spread of Christian scholarship is represented by figures such as John Cassian, Peter Chrysologus, Paulinus of Périgueux and St Patrick.
