In this new and illuminating interpretation of Ambrose, bishop of Milan from 374 to 397, Neil McLynn thoroughly sifts the evidence surrounding this very difficult personality. The result is a richly detailed interpretation of Ambrose's actions and writings that penetrates the bishop's painstaking presentation of self. McLynn succeeds in revealing Ambrose's manipulation of events without making him too Machiavellian. Having synthesized the vast complex of scholarship available on the late fourth century, McLynn also presents an impressive study of the politics and history of the Christian church and the Roman Empire in that period. Admirably and logically organized, the book traces the chronology of Ambrose's public activity and reconstructs important events in the fourth century. McLynn's zesty, lucid prose gives the reader a clear understanding of the complexities of Ambrose's life and career and of late Roman government.

Available for the first time in a comprehensive English translation, this thoroughly annotated but easy-to-use presentation of the classic 1917 Code of Canon Law by canon and civil lawyer Dr. Edward Peters is destined to become the standard reference work on this milestone of Church law. More than just of historical interest, the 1917 Code is an indispensable tool for understanding the current 1983 Code under which the Roman Catholic Church governs itself. Dr. Peters' faithful translation of the original Latin text of 1917, along with his detailed references to such key canonical works as Canon Law Digest and hundreds of English language doctoral dissertations on canon law produced at the world's great Catholic universities, now allows researchers to access directly this great fountain of ecclesiastical legal science. No student of canon law, and indeed, no one with a need to understand modern Church administration, can afford to be without this important volume.

The History of Church in three volumes is an account of the Christian Church written by prominent Lutheran theologian Johann Heinrich Kurtz. The work comprises ecclesiastical history from its beginnings to the end of 19th century. First part of the book covers the period from pre-Christian era and the founding of the Church by Christ and his Apostles to the 10th century. Second part spans from Christian missionary enterprises and the Crusades to Reformation and the Counter-Reformation. The final part covers the years from 17th to 19th century and what Christian church went through in that period.