Sayings and Stories of the Desert Fathers and Mothers
Volume 1; A-H (Eta)
This item is currently unavailable.
Enter your email address below and we will email you when the item comes into stock.
£39.99
The Sayings and Stories of the Desert Fathers and Mothers offers a new translation of the Greek alphabetical Apophthegmata Patrum, The Sayings of the Desert Fathers. For the first time in an English translation, this volume provides: extensive background and contextual notes significant variant readings in the alphabetical manuscripts and textual differences vis-a-vis the systematic and anonymous Apophthegmata reference notes to both quotations from Scriptures and the many allusions to Scripture in the sayings and stories. In addition, there is an extensive glossary that offers information and further resources on people, places, and significant monastic vocabulary. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of the desert tradition.
Preface by Kathleen Norris xiii
Foreword by Terrence G. Kardong, OS B xv
Abbreviations xix
Translator’s Reflection xxv
Introduction 1
I. Prologue with Stories 1
II. The Sayings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers
(Apophthegmata Patrum) 12
III. An Introduction to Some Early Monastic Themes in the
Apophthegmata Patrum 19
IV. Ego & Self: the Awe-filled Rowing towards the True Self 46
V. Practices in Transformation 61
The Sayings and Stories of the Desert Fathers and Mothers
Prologue for the Book: About the Ascetic Practices of the Blessed Fathers 89
Chapter 1: A / Álpha / A 93
Concerning Abba Antony 93
Concerning Abba Arsenius 119
Concerning Abba Agathon 147
Concerning Abba Ammonas 161
Concerning Abba Achilla (Achilles) 168
Concerning Abba Ammoë / Ammoës 172
Concerning Abba Ammoun of Nitria 174
Concerning Abba Anoub 176
Concerning Abba Abraham 178
Concerning Abba Are 180
Concerning Abba Alonius 181
Concerning Abba Apphu 182
Concerning Abba Apollo 183
Concerning Abba Andrew 186
Concerning Abba Aï? 186
Concerning Abba Ammonatha 187
Chapter 2: B / B?ta / B 189
Concerning Basil the Great 189
Concerning Abba Bessarion 190
Concerning Abba Benjamin 197
Concerning Abba Biare 198
Chapter 3: G / Gámma / G 199
Concerning Gregory the Theologian 199
Concerning Abba Gelasius 200
Concerning Abba Gerontius 210
Chapter 4: D / Délta / ? 213
Concerning Abba Daniel 213
Concerning Abba Dioscorus 221
Concerning Abba Doulas 223
Chapter 5: E / Épsilon / E 225
Concerning Saint Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus 225
Concerning Saint Ephraim 231
Eucharistus, Who Lived in the World 233
Eulogius 235 Concerning Abba Euprepius 238
Concerning Abba Helladius 240
Concerning Abba Evagrius 241
Concerning Abba Eudaemon 246
Chapter 6: Z / Z?ta / Z 247
Concerning Abba Zenon 247
Concerning Abba Zachariah 251
Chapter 7: H / ?ta / E 253
Concerning Abba Isaiah 253
Concerning Abba Elijah 256
Concerning Abba Heraclius 258
Glossary 261
Dramatis Personae 319
Selected Bibliography 323
Scripture Index 331
General Index 343
"A wonderful book. The introduction on its own ought to be required reading in all theological schools and for those interested in literature generally. This collection of The Sayings and Stories of the Desert Fathers and Mothers (Vol. 1) is an edition that is destined to become a classic standard. To situate his material, Tim Vivian offers a generous and reflective introduction to the desert tradition that is both scintillating in its intellectual brilliance and moving in its spiritual profundity. The scholarly translations are accompanied at every step by commentary and insight that demonstrate Vivian's fluent mastery and his status as one of the world's preeminent leaders in the field. It is a book that scholar and student alike will treasure." V. Revd. Prof. John A. McGuckin, Faculty of Theology, Oxford University "The flow and precision of Tim Vivian's translation allows for the personalities, messages, and worldview of the Sayings to resonate poignantly today. Moreover, his masterful notes reveal the complex linguistic and spiritual layers of these texts, as well as the degree to which scriptural language and imagery permeated monastic thought. Whether read for academic or spiritual purposes, one will encounter fresh insights and the distilled results of decades of research and reflection on every page of this remarkable volume." Maged S. A. Mikhail, Professor of History, California State University, Fullerton "To understand the parabolic and paradigmatic nature of the apophthegmata (wise sayings) of the desert ammas and abbas, it is best to have a guide as gifted in the ancient languages of the sayings as Vivian, but also to enter into these stories with the contemplative framework of lectio divina, as Vivian recommends in his introduction. In the process, the hidden depths of these elders open up layers in one's own search for the Holy One and the blessings and pitfalls of the spiritual life." Mary Forman, OSB, Prioress, Monastery of St. Gertrude, Idaho "A consummate scholar, deft translator, and skilled wordsmith, Tim Vivian links ancient insights to contemporary spirituality and the work for justice. In this collection of sayings and stories, he offers a wealth of detail to feed the mind of any scholar and an abundance of wisdom to fill the soul of every seeker." The Rev. Gary Commins, DD "Bringing a depth of experience as a translator of early monastic texts, Tim Vivian offers not only a new, vivid translation of the Apopthegmata Patrum, but also a rare window into the process, and challenge, of translation itself. With an introduction that not only orients the reader to this complex literature but also draws our attention to its contemporary spiritual significance, and a set of tools to decode the language of the desert fathers and mothers, this two-volume work offers rich resources for lovers of the desert monastic tradition and for those encountering for the first time." Revd. Dr. Jane Foulcher, Associate Head of School and Senior Lecturer in Theology, School of Theology, Charles Sturt University, Australia "Professor Tim Vivian has dedicated much of his academic career to bringing out the jewels of Coptic Monasticism that provided the inspirational and functional foundation for monasticism worldwide. His latest work brings the writings of the Mothers and Fathers in a model that serves both the benefit of their teachings as well as collectively the personality of those that said them. Bringing this systematic grouping from its original Greek to the English-speaking world is not only a blessing but a guide for those that seek holiness in their lives whether in the world or in seclusion away from it. The additional distinctive reflections of the author add that much value for the work. We pray that the complete collection will soon be in the hands of so many of us that waited for it for untold years." Hany N. Takla, President. St. Shenouda the Archimandrite Coptic Society "The desert fathers and mothers are still popular today, fifteen or sixteen centuries after their deeds and words were recorded. People are inspired by these pithy sayings, and perhaps at times amused by them. But in either case, the context in which they lived and worked and prayed is vague and general, usually limited to a brief introduction to the sayings themselves. Tim Vivian's book supplies this context and more. His introductions to each of the monks and nuns give what historical information is available, and he allows us to appreciate their individuality. He takes the time for personal reflection on the sayings of each one as a whole, rather than as separate quotes, and relates these ancient sayings to our world, brings them into our time, with wise lessons to teach us. In his notes, he gives more background, scriptural echoes and sources, and his exploration of the Greek behind the translation illuminates aspects of the sayings which would otherwise be lost in translation. This is a book which general readers will thoroughly enjoy, and scholars will appreciate. I look forward to the next volume in this series." Fr. Lawrence Morey, OCSO