 | Guides to Early Christian Writings |
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| Sources of Christian Theology
 | Texts |
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| English Translations |
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| Keys to the Editions |
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| Introductions |
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| Encyclopedias and Dictionaries |
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| Additional Reference Sources |
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| Indexes and Bibliographies |
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| Surveys of Patristic Scholarship |
The purpose of this bibliography is to provide an introduction to the
basic resources for the study of the writings and teachings of the
Fathers of the Church and the patristic age. It lists the major
introductions and handbooks to the patristic literature, the monumental
sets containing the texts of the Fathers in the original language, the
major series of translations of the Fathers into English, as well as
other resources, dictionaries and tools that illuminate the writings,
doctrinal teachings, theological disputes, heresies and controversies of
the first eight centuries of the Christian church.
Library of Congress call numbers for works in the Theology Library are
on the left; Dewey call numbers for the College Library are on the
right.
GUIDES TO EARLY CHRISTIAN
WRITINGS
These reference sources will identify Early Christian writers, list
their writings and note where the texts may be located in the major
patristic sets.
Altaner, Berthold. Patrology. Trans. Hilda C. Graef. New York:
Herder and Herder, 1960.
BR67 .A373
Based on the 5th German edition, this English translation covers
Eastern and Western writers from the First to the Eighth century. Entries
provide information on the lives and writings of the early Christian
writers. For the Church Fathers, additional sections are included
outlining their major points of doctrine. Extensive bibliographical
information is included.
Bardenhewer, Otto. Patrology: The Lives and Works of the Fathers of the
Church. Trans. Thomas J. Shahan. St. Louis: Herder, 1908.
Rare book BR67 .B3
Translated from the Bardenhewer's 2nd edition of 1901, this volume
reflects the notable German scholarship of the period. Includes early
Christian writers from the East and West, providing a bibliography of
works by and about each Father, biographical material and a discussion of
his writings and theology.
Cayre, F. Manual of Patrology and History of Theology. Trans. H.
Howitt. Paris: Society of St. John the Evangelist, 1936. Four books in two
volumes.
Ref BR67
.C39
Ref 280.2 C385m
Arranged by period, coverage begins with the First Century and extends
to the 1600's. Each section places the early Christian writers and their
works into the context of the historical setting. The following chapters
provide biographical material and citations to assist in locating writings
in the major patristic sets.
Jurgens, W. A., ed. The Faith of the Early Fathers. Collegeville:
Liturgical Press, 1970-1979.
BR63 .J87
280.08 J95t
Volume 1: A Sourcebook of Theological and Historical Passages from
the Christian Writers of the Pre-Nicene and Nicene Eras.
Volume 2: A Soucebook of Theological And HistoricalPassages from the
Christian Writings of the Post-Nicene and Constantinopolitan Eras through
St. Jerome.
Volume 3: A Sourcebook of Theological and Historical Passages from the
Writings of St. Augustine to the End of the Patristic Age.
This work is a collection excerpting the most cited patristic texts
found in contemporary theological study. Writers from the period of
the first to the fourth centuries are included. Passages are assigned
a chronological number and referenced to a doctrinal index that
permits the user to locate passages on a similar doctrinal matter.
This work is particularly useful for its comments introducing each
writing which states the best edition of the work.
Quasten, Johannes. Patrology. Westminster, MD: Newman Press,
1950-. 4 volumes.
BR67
.Q33
280.1 Q15p
Volume 1: The Beginnings of Patristic Literature.
Volume 2: The Ante-Nicene Literature After Ireneaus.
Volume 3: The Golden Age of Greek Patristic Literature from the Council
of Nicea to the Council of Chalcedon.
Volume 4: The Golden Age of Latin Patristic Literature from the Council
of Nicea to the Council of Chalcedon (We
don’t own this volume.)
This work, produced for the English
reader, updates the study of patristics to include recent discoveries and
scholarship. The bibliographies list critical editions, available
translations and references to articles and books that treat the writings
discussed.
Willis, John R., ed. The Teachings of the Church Fathers.
Montreal: Palm Publishers, 1966.
BR63
.W5
280.08 W734t
Provides a general overview of Catholic dogma through excerpts of the
writings of the Church Fathers. Under general subject headings, excerpts
are printed with references to the location of the complete work found in
major series.
SOURCES OF CHRISTIAN
THEOLOGY
TEXTS
The following collections and series of writings of the Church Fathers can
be found in the Doheny Libraries. For additional collections or writings
of an individual Father consult a guide such as Quasten or Altaner.
Corpus Scriptorum Ecclesiasticorum Latinorum. Editum consilio et
impensis Academiae Litterarum Caesareae Vindobonensis. Vindobonae: C.
Geroldi, 1866-.
BR60 .C68
Abbreviated as CSEL, this work of German scholarship covers the Latin
writers. Referred to as the Vienna Corpus, each volume includes an
introduction to the text, bibliographical notes, and indexes of names,
places, and subjects. The library's set is incomplete.
MIGNE
Produced in the nineteenth century, this series collected the existent
writings of the Greek and Latin Fathers and arranged them chronologically.
Texts are in Latin or in the original language with Latin translation.
Criticism of this work due to errors in the text has led scholars to consult
other editions when possible, although this work is considered a major
contribution to the study of patrology.
Patrologiae Cursus Completus Seu Bibliotheca Universalis... Omnium S.S.
Patrum Doctorum, Scriptorumque Ecclesiasticorum. Series Graeca. By
Jacques Paul Migne. Parisiis: Migne, 1886. Volume 1-161.
Abbreviated as PG, this series includes the Greek Fathers from Clement of
Rome to the Council of Florence (1438-39).
Board Room BR60 .M5
Patrologiae Cursus Completus Seu Bibliotheca Universalis... Omnium S.S.
Patrum, Doctorum, Scriptorumque Ecclesiasticorum. Series Latina. By
Jacques Paul Migne. Parisiis: Migne, 1878. Volume 1-221.
Abbrieviated as PL, this series includes the Latin Fathers from Tertellian
(200 A.D.) to Pope Innocent III (d. 1216). Accompanied by supplemental
volumes.
Board Room BR60 .M4
Sources Chretiennes.
Directeurs-foundateurs: H. DeLubac, et J. Danielou.Paris: Les Editions du
Cerf, 1949- .
Board Room BR60 .S65
A product of French scholarship, the series provides scholarly editions of
the Latin and Greek Fathers, as well as Medieval Latin, Greek and Byzantine
authors. Each title includes the text in the original language accompanied
by the French translation. Introductions in French are also included for
each title.
Ante-Nicene Fathers; Select Library of Nicene and
Post-Nicene Fathers
Students and scholars may find later translations more
readable than these works which represent 19th century scholarship.
Ante-Nicene Fathers: Translations of the Writings of the Fathers Down to
A.D. 325, American reprint of the Edinburgh ed. Edited by Alexander
Roberts and James Donaldson, revised and chronologically arranged… by A.
Cleveland Coxe. Grand Rapdis, Mich.: Eerdmans, 1981-
BR60 .A5 10 vols.
First published in 1866 as the Ante Nicene Christian Library, these
volumes were republished in 1885 after being rearranged by Coxe.
Select Library of Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church,
First series. edited by Philip Schaff. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979-.
230.1 334 S296fe
The first series in 14 volumes focuses on the writings of St. Augustine and
St. John Chrysostom.
Select Library of Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the
Christian Church, Second series. Edited by Philip Schaff. NY: Christian
Literature Co., 1890-1900.
Rare book BR60 .S4
The second series in 14 volumes contains the "chief works of the
Fathers from Eusebius to John of Damascus, and from Ambrose to Gregory the
Great…" (preface v. 1)
Ancient Christian Writers: The Works of the Fathers in Translation.
edited by Johannes Quasten and Joseph Plumpe. Westminster, MD: Newman
Bookshop, 1947-1951.
BR60 .A35 10 vols.
Seeking to fill the need for a contemporary Catholic translation, this
series includes not only the writings of the Fathers but also works
previously unavailable in English. Patristic scholars sought to use the most
reliable texts in creating this contemporary English version.
KEY TO THE EDITIONS
Dekkers, Eligius. Clavis Patrum Latinorum, 3 ed. Steenbrugis: In
Abbatia Sancti Petri, 1995.
BR60 .C49 vol. 161
A handbook that serves as an index to the writings of the Latin
patristic authors and can also be used to locate writings in the Corpus
Christianorum: Series Latina. Authors and writings are arranged
chronologically and a variety of indexes assist in locating material by
title and type of work.
INTRODUCTIONS
Hamman, Adalbert. How to Read the Church Fathers. New York:
Crossroad, 1993.
280.1 H224h
Very readable introduction to the history and writings of the early
Church.
Ramsey, Boniface. Beginning to Read the Fathers. New York: Paulist
Press, c1985.
280.02 R183b
This work provides a basic introduction to the writers of the early Church.
The major focus is on patristic literature written before the Council of
Chalcedon, although some later writings are considered.
ENCYCLOPEDIAS AND DICTIONARIES
These encyclopedias and dictionaries will provide information about the
Church Fathers, their writings and the times in which they lived.
Bercot, David W., ed. A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs.
Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson Pub., c1998.
Ref BR66.5 .D53
Arranged alphabetically, this work provides quotations from the Early
Church Fathers on over seven hundred subjects. Cross references and a
listing of the Ante-Nicene Fathers are also included.
Cabrol, Fernand, and LeClercq Henri, eds. Dictionnaire d'Archelogie
Chretienne et de Liturgie. Paris: Letouzey, 1907-1953.
Rare book Ref BR95 .C2
Includes articles on institutions, manners and customs of primitive
Christianity, in addition to articles on architecture, art, iconography,
symbols, epigraphy, paleography and numismatics.
Cross, F. L., ed. Oxford Dictionary of the Christian
Church, 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997.
2nd ed. Ref BR95
.O8
3rd ed. Ref 230 O98c
Includes brief overview entries for the early Christian writers with
references to texts and translations of their writings.
Di Berardino, Angelo., ed. Encyclopedia of the Early
Church. Trans. Adrian Walford. New York: Oxford University Press, 1992.
2 volumes.
Ref BR66.5
.D5813
Ref 270.103 D543e
This work covers archaeological, philosophical, historical and
geographical aspects of patristic scholarship. Biographical information for
individuals associated with the early church as well as coverage of
Christianity and early philosophy is also included. The bibliography has
been updated for this translation.
Ferguson, Everett, ed. Encyclopedia of Early Christianity.
2nd ed. New York: Garland, 1997.
Ref BR162.2
.E53
1990 ed. Ref 270.103 E56f
Covers the period including the life of Christ through A.D. 600 and provides
information on persons, places, beliefs, practices, etc., in early
Christianity. This work is intended for a broad audience, from the general
reader to the specialist.
ADDITIONAL REFERENCE
SOURCES
Magill, Frank N., ed. Masterpieces of Catholic Literature
in Summary Form. New York: Salem Press, 1965. 2 volumes.
BX885
.M2
Ref 208.22 M194m
Volume 1 is a survey of Roman Catholic literature from 90 A.D. to 1613.
Volume 2 continues from 1613.
Meer, Frederick van der, and Christine Mohrmann. Atlas of
the Early Christian World. London: Nelson, 1958.
Oversize G1046 .E4
M42
Oversize 913 M495a
This atlas is especially helpful in locating early cities and places by
the names used in ancient times.
INDEXES AND BIBLIOGRAPHIES
The following titles provide access to books and articles in
scholarly journals relating to the writings of the Church Fathers and their
lives. Works detailing recent patristic scholarship are included.
Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses "Elenchus Bibliographicus"
Louvain: Universite Catholique, 1924-
Periodicals Room, Theology Library
Elenchus Bibliographicus is an annual publication of the journal
Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses and includes references to recent
publications in the area of patristic theology. Consult the index and table
of contents.
The following indexes and abstracts provide access to
information in journals, multi-author works, and in some cases, monographs.
Catholic Periodical and Literature Index. Haverford, Pa.: Catholic
Library Association, 1967- , volume 14-
Reference Room, Theology
Library
Periodicals Room, College Library
Also available on library network (click on Electronic Databases –
Alphabetical).
CPLI is an author/subject index to 135 Catholic periodicals, and an
author/title/subject bibliography of books by Catholics or books of interest
to Catholics. It is also the major source for locating the text of Church
documents: papal, conciliar, synodal, and diocesan. It is available in the
library in both paper copy and on CD-ROM.
The Catholic Periodical Index. (1930-1966) merged with the Guide
to Catholic Literature in 1968 to form the Catholic Periodical
and Literature Index.
ATLA Religion Database. Chicago: American Theological
Association, 1940-
Available online. Click here.
The ATLA Religion Database on the Web
provides access to citations in periodical literature; essays in collected
works, festschriften, proceedings, congresses and annuals, as well as book
reviews in the areas of religious studies, theology, scripture and church
history. The coverage is international and ecumenical in scope. By accessing
this database, you are searching three indexes produced by the American
Theological Library Association: Religion Index One: Periodicals; Religion
Index Two: Multi-Author Works; and Index to Book Reviews in Religion.
Religious and Theological Abstracts. Meyerstown, Pa.: Religious and
Theological Abstracts, Inc., 1958-
Available online. Click here.
Includes author and scripture indexes. Brief abstracts are classified by
broad subjects: Biblical, Theological, Historical and Practical.
For surveys of patristic scholarship see:
Burghardt, Walter J. "Literature of Christian Antiquity:
1979-1983." Theological Studies 45 (1984): 275-306.
Available in Periodicals Room, Theology and College Libraries
Burghardt, Walter J. "Literature of Christian Antiquity:
1975-1979." Theological Studies 41 (1980): 151-180.
Burghardt, Walter J. "Literature of Christian Antiquity:
1971-1975." Theological Studies 37 (1976): 424-455.
Burghardt, Walter J. "Literature of Christian Antiquity:
1967-1971." Theological Studies 33 (1972): 253-284.
Burghardt, Walter J. "Literature of Christian Antiquity." Theological
Studies 24 (1963): 437-463.
Burghardt, Walter J. "Literature of Christian Antiquity:
1955-1959." Theological Studies 21 (1960): 62-91.
Burghardt, Walter J. "Patristic Studies." Theology in
Transition: A Bibliographical Evaluation, 1954-1964. by Elmer O'Brien.
New York: Herder, 1965.
BT28
.O2
230.2 O13t
De Simone, Russell. "Patristica: Culture, Research, Press." Seminarium
30 (1990): 567-578.
Available in Theology Library Periodicals Room.
Kannengiesser, Charles. "Fifty Years of Patristics."
Theological Studies 50 (1989): 633-656.
Adapted from the research guides prepared by the staff
of the Pontifical
College Josephinum Library, with
permission.
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