Ambrose of Milan: Church and Court in a Christian Capital / Edition 1

by Neil B. McLynn

Overview

In this new and illuminating interpretation of Ambrose, bishop of Milan from 374 to 397, Neil McLynn thoroughly sifts the evidence surrounding this very difficult personality. The result is a richly detailed interpretation of Ambrose's actions and writings that penetrates the bishop's painstaking presentation of self. McLynn succeeds in revealing Ambrose's manipulation of events without making him too Machiavellian. Having synthesized the vast complex of scholarship available on the late fourth century, McLynn also presents an impressive study of the politics and history of the Christian church and the Roman Empire in that period.

Admirably and logically organized, the book traces the chronology of Ambrose's public activity and reconstructs important events in the fourth century. McLynn's zesty, lucid prose gives the reader a clear understanding of the complexities of Ambrose's life and career and of late Roman government.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780520084612
Publisher:	University of California Press
Publication date:	12/13/1994
Series:	Transformation of the Classical Heritage , #22
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	436
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.40(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Neil McLynn is Visiting Lecturer in the Faculty of Law, Keio University, Japan. He was trained in the classics at Oxford.

Table of Contents

List of Figures
List of Abbreviations
Acknowledgements
Introduction

Chapter 1. The Reluctant Bishop
Chapter 2. Consolidation
Chapter 3. Ambrose and Gratian
Chapter 4. Persecution
Chapter 5. Ambrose's People, I: Master of Ceremonies
Chapter 6. Ambrose's People, II: Friends and Influence
Chapter 7. Ambrose and Theodosius
Chapter 8. Sanctity

Bibliography
Index