ASCETICS, SOCIETY, AND THE DESERT: STUDIES IN EARLY EGYPTIAN MONASTICISM (Studies in Antiquity and Christianity), James E. Goehring Basing his work on papyrological documentary sources, archaeology, and traditional literary sources, James Goehring gradually forces a new direction in understanding the evolution of monasticism. He rigorously examines these multiple sources, transforming them into a clear narrative and infusing the history of Egyptian monasticism with renewed energy. "In these twelve essays, Goehring convincingly dismantles much previous scholarship regarding early Egyptian monasticism Appealing to archaeological and papyrological evidence as well as to literary texts, he situates Pachomian monasticism in the midst of the economic and social life of its time. The diversity of Egyptian monasticism, in theology and lifestyle, is here demonstrated. Highly readable and clearly argues, Goehring's book is a must for all scholars of early Christianity." - Elizabeth A. Clark, Duke Univ

$29.00 Paper (Morehouse Publishing Group)

DESERT FATHERS: SAYINGS FROM THE DESERT FATHERS, introduced by Henri J.M. Nouwen; art by Yushi Nomura Each Christian who seeks God through prayer is continuing a tradition that began with the desert fathers and mothers of the fourth and fifth century - simple peasants whole spiritual progress was marked by inner peace, self-control, poverty, patience, humility, and hospitality. Desert Wisdom contains some hundred "sayings" of the desert fathers, each accompanied by playful illustrations by Japanese artist Yushi Nomurs. Bridging East and West, the simple truths of Desert Wisdom remains as fresh and vital to Christians today as they were to the disciples who first heart and recorded them. 144pp

$15.00 Paper (Orbis Books)

HISTORIES OF THE MONKS OF UPPER EGYPT AND THE LIFE OF ONNOPHRIUS (Cistercian Studies Number 140), Paphnutius; translated, with an introduction by Tim Vivian Two Coptic works by the late 4th century monk Paphnutius of Scetis. His Histories witness to the life of Christians and of the little-known monastic communities of Upper (southern) Egypt, beyond the famous pachomian settlements. His Life of Onnophrius presents the way of life of the first desert father of Upper Egypt. In his introduction, Fr. Vivian discusses the origins of Christianity at Philae and Aswan, the spirituality of the early monks, their way of life, the shape of their communities, and their prayer and worship. To the works listed in the title has been added A Discourse on Saint Onnophrius by Abba Pistentius, bishop of Keft. A one volume record of the lives and on-going influence of the monks near Aswan. 206pp

$18.00 Paper (Cistercian Publications) Originally Published 1993, Revised and Reissued 2001

JOURNEYING INTO GOD: SEVEN EARLY MONASTIC LIVES, by Tim Vivian Translation of important biographies from the 4th to the 7th centuries which depict ascetic desert spirituality - Antony, Pembo, Syndetica, George of Choziba, Aaron, Theognius, Onnophrius - come to life through translation of biographical documents from Greek and Coptic sources. Discusion of women, the structure of a monastery, miracles and relics, and te cult of the saints illuminates the text. 196pp

$16.00 Paper

A LIFE PLEASING TO GOD: THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE RULES OF SAINT BASIL (Cistercian Studies Number 189), Augustine Holmes, O.S.B. Basil the Great (330-379) is one of the most important figures in Christian history and a theologian and spiritual teacher of ecumenical significance. At a time when the sources of their rich spiritual heritage are being re-appropriated by Christians of many traditions, it is strange that little attention has so far been given to Basilian spirituality. A Life Pleasing to God tells the story of Basil's own spirituall development in the theologically turbulent fourth century. Its core is a study of those passages of the Asceticon which illustrates his understanding of the foundation of the Christian life and lay out the possibilities, and problems, of Christian community. In the series of answers - sometimes call 'rules' - which he gives to questions put to him by his disciples, Basil shares his vision of a life lived according to Scripture, a life pleasing to God. In reading them, we learn how monastic communities were founded and developed; yet Basil insists that his teaching is intended for every Christian - whether in or out of the monastery. The fist substantial study of Basilian spirituality to appear in English in seventy years, A Life Pleasing to God presents teaching with a surprising relevance to modern concerns. 282pp

$19.00 Paper (Cistercian Publications)

THE MONASTIC RULE OF IOSIF VOLOTSKY (Revised Edition), edited and translated by David M. Goldfrank Iosif (better known as Joseph of Volokolamsk) was the leading spokesman for the "possessor," those who held that the monastic estate should work closely with the civil authority, as the kingdom of Muscoby took shape at the turn of the sixteenth century. He opposed the position of Nil Sorsky, leader of the "non-possessors," who held closer to what we would call today, "separation of church and state," and who taught that monastic institutions should not be landholding. Although it is Nil Sorsky who is the more popular today, both have been canonized, and Iosif was the popular champion in his own time, and his Rule an extremely influential document in the universe of Russian Orthodox monasticism. It sifted and synthesized many earlier rules - St. John Cassian's, St. Basil's Dorotheus of Gaza's, St. Gregory the great's - thus becoming a landmark of monastic legislation. This edition not only translates, but provides extensive historical background for this Rule.
In this revised edition, both the Brief Rule and the Extended Rule for fifteenth century Russian monks are translated in full. Bibliography and notes have been expanded to incorporate new scholarship. 395pp

$25.00 Paper (Cistercian Publications) Originally Published 1983, Revised and Reissued 2001

PACHOMIUS: THE MAKING OF A COMMUNITY IN FOURTH CENTURY EGYPT, Philip Rousseau Pachomius, who died in 346, has long been regarded as the "founder of monasticism." Available again, Philip Rousseau's careful reading of the available texts reveals that Pachomius's pioneering enterprise has been consistently misread in light of later monastic practices. Rousseau not only provides a fuller and more accurate portrait of this great teacher and spiritual director but also gives a new perspective on the development of monasticism. In a new preface Rousseau reviews the scholarly developments that have modified his views and emphases since the book was published. The result is to make Pachomius an even less assured pioneer, a man likely to have been more involved in the village and urban society of his time than previously thought. 250pp

$20.00 (University of California)

SAYINGS AND STORIES OF THE CHRISTIAN FATHERS OF EGYPT: THE SYRIAC VERSION OF THE APOPHEMGATA PARUM, (Kegan Paul Library of Religion and Mysticism), Anan Isho of Beth Abhe; translated by E.A.Wallis Budge The 'sayings and stories' collected here undoubtedly represent a true record of the teachings and beliefs of the early Holy Fathers of Christianity as they existed in the late fourth century. Illustrating the monks' views on almost every conceivable subject pertaining to Christianity - patient endurance, acceptance of repentance, silent contemplation and insight into the vision of the mind - they continue a devotional legacy of the highest order. 1 black and white plate. 452pp

$115.00 Cloth (Paul Kegan Institute)