Bloch, M. Feudal Society. Translated by L. A. Manyon. 2 vols. Chicago:
University of Chicago Press, 1961. A classic and highly influential study of
every aspect of the basic societal arrangements of the medieval world.
Brown, P. Augustine of Hippo. Berkeley: University of California Press,
- One of the greatest scholars of late antiquity provides a readable and
comprehensive account of the saint’s career.
Burton, J., and J. Kerr. The Cistercians in the Middle Ages. Rochester, NY:
Boydell Press, 2011. A recital and assessment of the important monastic
reform movement that began in the Abbey of Cîteaux.
Casey, M., and D. Tomlin. Introducing the Rule of Benedict: A Program of
Formation. St. Ottilien: Eos Verlag, 2006. A guide to the ideals and practices
of the monastic life as enunciated by the Rule of Benedict.
Chitty, D. J. The Desert a City: An Introduction to the Study of Egyptian
and Palestinian Monasticism under the Christian Empire. Crestwood, NY:
St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1999. Shows the intricate social relations
that enabled great communities of ascetics to arise and thrive outside
urban centers.
Clark, W. W. Medieval Cathedrals. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2006. A
guide to specific cathedrals, with illustrations and historical context.
Cohen, J. D. From the Maccabees to the Mishnah. Philadelphia: Westminster
Press, 1987. A fine survey of the historical development of Judaism, up to
and including the development of earliest Christianity.
Daniélou, J. Origen. Translated by W. Mitchell. New York: Sheed and
Ward, 1951. The best single-volume study of the great pioneer of Christian
theology; emphasizes his place within the tradition of the church.
———, and H. Marrou. The Christian Centuries, vol. 1, The First Six
Hundred Years. Translated by V. Cronin. New York: McGraw Hill, 1964.
A deeply learned and clearly written survey of the first centuries of the
Christian movement. Authoritative.