"Packed with historical knowledge, arranged with an impressive capacity for theological explication, and written in a flowing manner that belies its textbook quality, G. Herring has produced a volume that will be useful to a large audience with various degrees of exposure to its topic." -Religious Studies Review "Church historian Herring's newest book can be seen as a textbook and probably will be used as such. But to view it only as that would be a mistake because it is also an accessible account of the high-points of Christianity divided into three 200-year periods-'Christ and Caesar, Christianity Circa 300-500,' 'Expansion and Order, Latin Christendom, Circa 1050-1250,' and 'Grace and Authority, Western Christianity, Circa 1450-1650.' The lives of such important Christians as St. Augustine, Martin Luther, and Eramus are also touched upon. Most interesting perhaps is the author's admitting to writing about the parts of Christian history that are of 'particular interest to him.' His excitement, curiosity, and attention to these areas are readily apparent. With the help of maps, illustrations, and skilled writing, his pet subjects soon become the reader's. This well-researched and enjoyable labor of love is highly recommended for all libraries." -Library Journal "Written with passion and commitment." -Catholic Historical Review