In Readings in the History of Christian Theology, Volume 1: From its Beginnings to the Eve of the Reformation, William C. Placher compiles significant passages written by the most important Christian thinkers through the early sixteenth century. An important resource for theological study, the book contains excerpts preceded by the author's illuminating introductions so that the book can stand alone as a coherent history. It can also be used to supplement a narrative work such as William Placher's own A History of Christian Theology: An Introduction. Rather than institutional history, the book focuses on ideas presented from an ecumenical perspective. The first excerpt is from The Gospel of Thomas, written sometime during the second century, and the concluding passage is from Erasmus's The Praise of Folly from the eve of the Reformation. Volume 2 begins with the Reformation of the sixteenth century. Helpful bibliographies contain suggestions for further reading.

From back cover.