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 5 begins with the sixth century, and covers the Latin tradition, to Isidore of Seville (d.636), and the Greek tradition, to John Damascene (d. before 754). It also introduces the earliest Armenian Christian writers. Bardenhewer discusses the Monophysite controversy, Justinian, the iconoclasts, Greek hagiographers and poets, and Western figures including St Benedict, Gregory of Tours, and Venantius Fortunatus. Bardenhewer outlines the transmission, critical reception and interpretation of each writer and work.
