The Formation of Christendom

Judith Herrin's tour de force argues that the 'initial particularity' of Europe can be found between the fourth and the ninth centuries. Her scholarship 'is so exciting: she can convince the reader that the roots of Western distinctiveness really do lead all the way to forgotten episcopal meetings in small towns in Asia Minor in the fourth century' Michael Ignatieff, Observer. 'a civilized and accomplished book' Economist.