The Letters of Gregory the Great (3 Volumes)

One of the most important extant documentary sources for the study of the late sixth and early seventh centuries AD-the apex of a pivotal period of transition described by Robert Markus in The End of Ancient Christianity as a shift from an ''ancient'' to a ''medieval'' form of Christianity-an English translation of all fourteen books and 848 letters of Gregory the Great's Registrum epistularum (Register of Letters) has been a long time coming. This three-volume set includes an extensive introduction that provides a brief biography of Gregory, situates his letters within their historical, political, social and religious context, and elaborates on topics such as Gregory's eschatology and use of Scriptures, his missions, major correspondents, relationship with Augustine of Canterbury, and an analysis of his style and rhetoric. However, for a more intimate glimpse into Gregory's life and world-described by Martyn as ''a man of God, now contemplative, now a just and tactful administrator, now a reformer and judge, ever humble, ever friendly and charitable, except when severity was needed, and ever working for a better, fairer society'' as he dealt ''with the Lombard threat, the administration of the Church's patrimony, the government of the Church, in both West and East, the Church in Africa, Spain, Gaul, and England, the main theological debates and heresies, and the many sinful and criminal activities that threatened good governance''-Gregory's letters are an indispensable source and their translation is a monumental and most welcome contribution.