Ancient Traditions of the Virgin Mary's Dormition and Assumption

The ancient Dormition and Assumption traditions are the earliest accounts of the Virgin Mary's departure from this life. They first developed in the eastern Mediterranean during the early Christian period. This book presents the first systematic study of these traditions in the English language, and it is intended as an introduction to the earliest traditions. Significant appendices include the first English translations of several of the most important narratives. The book will be of interest to all scholars of early Christian literature.