The Oxford Illustrated History of Christianity

Book Overview

Spanning two thousand years of stirring religious, cultural and political events, this lavishly illustrated volume--the latest addition to the acclaimed Oxford Illustrated History series--provides the most authoritative and accessible history of Christianity ever published for the general reader.
The impact of Christianity on world civilization is almost incalculable, and in exploring this rich heritage, nineteen leading scholars range from the earliest origins to the present day to examine virtually every aspect of the faith. They discuss the apostle Peter and Roman Emperor Constantine, describe the role of Charlemagne in the expansion of the religion, and assess medieval scholasticism and the influence of Thomas Aquinas. The profound changes that occurred during both the Reformation and the Enlightenment are fully treated in chapters that offer revealing portraits of such key figures as Erasmus, Luther, Calvin, Wesley, and Rousseau. Fully one third of the book covers Christianity since 1800--with special studies of the faith as practiced in Britain and Europe, North and South America, Africa, India, and the Far East--offering a compelling continuous narrative filled with insight into the enormously diverse Christian world. In the final chapters, the authors consider questions of contemporary Christian theology, conscience and belief, and explore new concepts of Christian community.
Over 350 beautiful illustrations--including 32 full color plates--grace the text, ranging from mosaics, paintings and sculptures, to architecture and modern art. There are also ten maps, a chronology of important events, and an annotated guide to further reading.
Throughout, the book reflects the changing world in which Christians have found themselves, and the many ways in which, individually and through the institutions of the church, they in turn have influenced history. Comprehensive, vividly narrated, and exquisitely produced, this magnificent book captures the richness and vitality of Christian thought and culture throughout the ages. It is hard to imagine a more meaningful holiday gift.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0198229283
• ISBN13: 9780198229285
• Release Date: November 1990
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 768 Pages
• Weight: 4.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.8" x 7.9" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

Lots of information.

I have not read the entire book, but it does contain all the information I expected.

The Oxford Illustrated History of Christianity

Religion, particularly Christianity, is one hair Oxford loves to split in as many ways as they can find. This overview of Christian history is well written and thorough. There may be other books of greater importance in specific areas of study, but this book is a good beginning. Church libraries may consider this book just because it covers a lot of ground in a single volume. It covers the basics, the persecutions, the rise of Roman acceptance of Chrisitanity, the middle ages, and the Reformation. It carries the story to the present offering the reader a good understanding of the subject matter. It has illustrations throughout, but most are black and white. In an era when color printing is not really cost prohibitive any longer, this is kind of a shame. But the text is top-notch andthe reader will learn much from this volume.

The Oxford Illustrated History of Christianity

Gives me a review of ancient history, along with years of Christianity.I use this book mainily in a class I take at church. Its called "Education for Ministry". Its a four year course. I find it interesting just to review in my mind all the history that has gone before me. Good book,

Very Good Overview of the Growth and Spread of Christianity

The Oxford folks have produced a very good overview of the Christian world from the death of Christ to the present time. This book gives a good accounting of the major doctrinal and organizational challenges facing Christendom over the last two centuries as well as detailing its growth from a band of Jewish reformers to the world wide force it is today. I would have liked a little more on the early rise and struggle of the church to find its place both doctrinally and in the Roman world, but this is a very solid book for someone wanting to explore the breadth of Christianity's two millennia.