This title is a radical reappraisal of the impact of Constantine's adoption of Christianity, both on the later Roman world and on the subsequent development of Christianity and western civilization.
Reviews
"Enjoyable and illuminating. . . . Clearly and plausibly argued . . . full of fascinating detail." -"The Boston Globe" "Entertaining. . . . An excellent and readable account of the development of Christian doctrine." -"The New York Times Book Review" "There is much here to admire. . . . It is a panoramic view that Freeman handles with grace, erudition and lucidity." -"The Washington Times" "A triumph. . . . Engrossing. . . . Successfully realized. . . . Wholly admirable. . . . Freeman is to be congratulated on a broad-brush approach that throws the main issue into sharp focus. . . . [He] has added a new level of understanding." -"The Times Higher Education Supplement ""A fascinating account." -"The Atlanta Journal-Constitution " "Engrossingly readable and very thoughtful. . . . Freeman draws our attention to myriad small but significant phenomena. . . . His fine book is both a searching look at the past and a salutary and cautionary reminder for us in our difficult present." -"The New York Sun " "One of the best books to date on the development of Christianity. . . . Beautifully written and impressively annotated, this is an indispensable read for anyone interested in the roots of Christianity and its implications for our modern worldview. . . . Essential." -"Choice " "Engaging. . . . Refreshing. . . . A memorable account. . . . The author is always interesting and well informed. Freeman's study moves with ease between political and intellectual history. . . . The cumulative effect is impressive." -"The Times Literary Supplement " "A fine book for a popular audience that enjoys history, clear writing, and subject matter that reflects our owntime." -"Houston Chronicle " "The narrative is clear and fluent, the nomenclature is studiously precise . . . and the theological conflicts of the fourth century are analyzed with . . . subtlety." -"History Today " "Ambitious, groundbreaking. . . . In the tradition of . . . Karen Armstrong's A History of God . . . a scholarly history that is accessible, passionate and energetic." -"Hartford Advocate " "Freeman has a talent for narrative history and for encapsulating the more arcane disputes of ancient historians and theologians. . . . He manages not only to make these disputes interesting, but also to show why they mattered so much. It is a coup that few books on the early church pull off." -"The Independent " "Engaging and clearly written." -"The World and I " "[A] lucid account of an intellectual and social transformation that continues to shape the way Christianity is experienced and understood." -"The Dallas Morning News "
Author description
Charles Freeman is the author of The Greek Achievement and Egypt, Greece, Rome. He lives in Suffolk.
