The Cambridge History of Early Christian Literature Edited by Frances Young, Lewis Ayers and Andrew Louth The writings of the Church Fathers form a distinct body of literature which shaped the early Church and built upon the doctrinal foundations of Christianity recently established within the New Testament and by oral and ecclesiastical tradition. Together with the Bible, Christian literature in the period c. 100 - c. 450 constitutes one of the most influential textual oeuvres of any religion. Written mainly in Greek, Latin and Syriac, Patristic literature emanated from all parts of the early Christian world and helped to extend its boundaries. The works of Irenaeus, Hippolytus, the Gnostics, the Montanists, Origen, Eusebius, Athanasius, the Cappadocian Fathers, John Chrysostom, Ephrem, Cyril and Augustine are among the best-known examples of an extensive set of texts grappling with the theological issues at the heart of early Christianity - many of which still lie at its heart today. This History is the first systematic account of that literature and its setting for many years. The work of individual writers in shaping the various genres and forms of Christian literature is considered, and the volume also offers general essays covering three distinct periods in the development of Christian literature. These general essays survey the social, cultural and doctrinal context within which Christian literature arose and within which it was used by Christians. The book is intended for use by theologians and historians, providing a landmark reference work for scholars, teachers and students. Frances Young is Edward Cadbury Professor of Theology at the University of Birmingham. Lewis Ayers is Assistant Professor of Historical Theology at the Candler School of Theology and Graduate Division of Religion, Emory University. Andrew Louth is Professor of Patristic and Byzantine studies at the University of Durham.