This book has been an essential source book for students of the later patristic period, covering the history of the Church from 337 to 461 and following on from A New Eusebius.

Professor Frend now provides a revision of the 1966 edition, updating notes and bibliography, and regrouping documents to make it easier for the reader to follow the development of particular themes. While a few documents have now been omitted, nearly forty have been added, either to illustrate better the thought and teaching of a group or individual, or to connect and clarify an important sequence of events. All revisions have been carried out with the needs of both teachers and students in mind.