this lucid and admirably succinct book, written with imagination and warm feeling for the subject, is a distincly welcome addition to the growing body of secondary literature on one of the finest, if unfortunately most prolix, of the great patristic theologians. It makes an excellent introduction besides offering an interesting new perspective. * L R. Wickham, Ecclesiastical History * Toronen's style is minimalistic and yet condensed. The brevity of the chapters lets the reader encompass the whole of the argument at any moment of reading...this monograph makes a significant contribution towards Maximian scholarship...With Toronen's work the concept of union and distinction becomes one more elucidation that brings into perspective the complex mosaic of Maximus' rich and demanding way of writing. * Kosta Milkov, Journal of Theological Studies *