More Sayings of the Desert Fathers: An English Translation and Notes

Greek is the primary language in which most of the Tales and Sayings of the Desert Fathers (Apophthegms) have survived, and English translations of nearly 2500 of these texts are now accessible. For a while, French translations of six hundred items in six languages have been accessible, but frequently in second- or third-hand translations. Newly translated directly from the original languages by scholars skilled in those languages, these texts are now presented to the English reader with an Introduction and brief notes to provide more information about these men and women who rejected the world and went to live in the desert regions of Egypt and elsewhere in the fourth to seventh centuries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The majority of the Tales and Sayings of the Desert Fathers (Apophthegms) have survived in Greek, and a significant portion of them is now accessible in English. There are nearly 2500 of these texts available in English, making them widely accessible to readers. Additionally, there are six hundred items available in six different languages, although they are often in second- or third-hand translations.
These texts have recently undergone a fresh translation directly from the original languages by scholars with expertise in those languages. They are accompanied by an Introduction and brief notes to provide the English reader with a deeper understanding of these remarkable individuals, both men and women, who chose to leave the world behind and settle in the desert regions of Egypt and other places during the fourth to seventh centuries.

The preservation of these texts in Greek is particularly noteworthy, as it ensures their accessibility to a wide audience. The English translations, while valuable, may have some limitations due to the inherent challenges of translating ancient texts from different languages. However, the new translations offered by scholars skilled in the original languages provide a more accurate and authentic representation of the original writings.

By presenting these texts alongside an Introduction and brief notes, the publishers aim to facilitate a deeper understanding of the lives and teachings of the Desert Fathers. The desert regions of Egypt and other parts of the Middle East were particularly conducive to spiritual growth and contemplation, and the individuals who lived in these regions left a lasting impact on Christian spirituality and theology.

The Tales and Sayings of the Desert Fathers offer valuable insights into the lives of these early Christian monks and nuns, their struggles, and their triumphs. They provide a glimpse into the values and practices that guided their lives, and their teachings continue to resonate with readers today. Whether one is interested in Christian history, spirituality, or simply seeking to explore the human condition, these texts are a rich source of wisdom and inspiration.

In conclusion, the availability of the Tales and Sayings of the Desert Fathers in English and other languages is a significant milestone in the preservation and dissemination of ancient Christian wisdom. The new translations offered by scholars skilled in the original languages provide a fresh perspective on these texts and offer a valuable resource for readers seeking to deepen their understanding of Christian spirituality and theology.

ISBN-13: 9781108457071