Geschichte der altkirchlichen Literatur

Otto Bardenhewer (1851–1935) was Professor of New Testament Exegesis at Munich from 1886 to 1924. Following the success of his 1894 Patrologie (the 1908 English edition of which is also reissued), Bardenhewer went on to write this monumental five-volume history, in German, of early Christian literature from its beginnings to the seventh century. Published between 1902 and 1932, it was acclaimed for its thoroughness, clarity and sound judgment, and remains a standard work of reference. Volume 1 (reissued in its 1913 second edition) begins with an introduction to the history of the subject and the key concepts associated with patristics. Part 1 covers the earliest texts, from the Didache and the Apostles' Creed to Ignatius of Antioch, while Part 2 covers the second century, with sections on apologetics, polemics, pastoral works and the New Testament apocrypha. Bardenhewer introduces each author and work, and outlines their critical reception and interpretation.