Patristische Texte und Studien

The vitae of John of Damascus are a crucial document in the reception of the Greek church father. They present novel-like anecdotes and portrayals of marvelous wonders, with some of the texts exhibiting high literary quality. This volume is the first to edit three of the vitae, presenting critical editions of the others based on a thorough review of all known and recently discover text witnesses.

The Book of Steps (Liber Graduum) is a collection of thirty treatises written in Syriac, in which an unknown fourth-century ascetic teacher lays out a summary of Christian life. The new translation aims to open this unique fourth-century source material on Syriac asceticism, piety, and theology up to a broader public.