The Auncient Ecclesiastical Histories

most important contemporary sources for the early Church

An early edition in English of Eusebius' Historia Ecclesiastica, together with the histories of his successors Socrates Scholasticus and Evagrius Ponticus, collectively the most important contemporary and near-contemporary sources for the early history of the Church.

Eusebius (d. AD 339) was active during the reign of Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor of Rome, and ended his narrative before the death of Constantine's son Crispus in July AD 326. In addition to being the most important contemporary history of the early Church, it is one of the most valuable historical sources written in late antiquity, especially noted for its detailed description of the various early Christian sects, movements, and schisms, and the Council of Nicaea.

Folio (29 x 20 cm); woodcut device to title and divisional titles, woodcut initials, head and tailpieces, ownership inscription in pen to title and title verso, early underlings in pen and marginalia, without front blank f., text-block toned and with moderate spotting throughout, light waterstaining to rear ff; contemporary sprinkled calf, covers ruled in gilt, rebacked and recornered, contrasting blue-green morocco lettering-piece, edges sprinkled red, a little rubbed, very good; [10], 192, 203-598, [20]pp.

ESTC S121380.