Jerome

by Stefan Rebenich

As a scholar, writer and ascetic, Jerome was a major intellectual force in the early Church and influenced the ideals of Christian chastity and poverty for many generations after his death. This book assembles a representative selection of his voluminous output. It will help readers to a balanced portrait of a complex and brilliant, but not always likeable man.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 9, 2002

Reviews

[DJ Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short little book provides a nice window into the realm of St. Jerome. Because it is written by a literary scholar however, there is a certain preference as to what is included about Jerome as well as what is omitted. Rebenich makes his opinions quite clear throughout the text in his introductory statements which precede each selection. Some of his comments were more polemic than scholarly, which took something away from the overall reading experience. In sum, I enjoyed the included selections by Jerome and have a better appreciation for him than I had previously.

[Robby Rami · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s actually sort of comforting to read how even the Saints weren’t “saints.” To know the faults of some of the earliest church Fathers, and yet to learn of the great things they did. Jerome was frankly obsessed with chastity and virginity and had poor views towards women, but he was also a linguistic genius. I’m learning Latin, and read the Vulgate as part of my practice. It’s pretty cool to read the same Bible written by St. Jerome

[Briana Grenert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable, thought provoking, well organized - couldn't put it down :)