Binns is good on the topographical context, which he has observed closely ... He is good also on the monks as artisans and craftsmen and their relation to local markets. Binns' physical descriptions are exceedingly fresh ... a most thorough and comprehensive study. * Dr. Judith Pinnington, The Glastonbury Bulletin, No. 89, Feby 1995 *
a welcome addition to historical scholarship, and one which manifests a profound familiarity with both the literary sources for the period and the findings of recent archaeological research ... a book which deserves to be widely read * Graham Gould, King's College, London, Journal of Ecclesiastical History, vol 47, no 1 Jan '96 *
a useful ... survey of the sources, material conditions, and institutional developments of Palestinian monasticism in the fifth and sixth centuries ... historians interested in early Christian monasticism and Byzantine Palestine will find much of value in Binns's careful scholarship. * David Brakke, Indiana University, Bloomington, American Historical Review, June 1996 *
its real value is in providing a context for understanding the hagiographical sources themselves ... Literary allusions in Cyril's works provide a lens on the contents of monastic libraries, revealing a remarkably literate and sophisticated monastic culture ... this book is the best treatment of Cyril available in English. * Derek Krueger, University of North Carolina, Religious Studies Review, Volume 23, Number 1/January 1997 *
In each of the three sections of the book, Binns makes a contribution to our understanding of the era. The usefulness of this book lies in the variety of materials it brings together in one convenient study. It is peppered with lively scenes, with telling (and compelling) anecdotes, and often with interesting insights. The writer demonstrates a keen empathy for his subjects, with solid results. We can be grateful to Binns for reminding us of the rich material here to be mined. * Susan Ashbrook Harvey, Journal of Theological Studies, Vol. 48, No. 1 Apr '97 *
The book contributes significantly to our understanding of certain aspects of early Palestinian monasticism, especially its material and social dimensions ... John Binn's encyclopedic ... work will serve as a useful point of reference as scholars survey the terrain ahead. * Speculum - A Journal of Medieval Studies *
Binns provides here a well-documented summary of several decades of modern research on the life and environment of early monks who spent their lives of prayer and ascetic struggle within a few days' journey of the holy places ... What is most useful in this book is its detail, particularly its abundant bibliographical information and its use of archaeological and geographical data to reconstruct the physical world of the early Palestinian monks ... a valuable resource for anyone wishing to study ancient sources intelligently. * Church History *
It draws heavily on contemporary source materials which are examined in a thorough and scholarly manner. The author has left few stones unturned ... This is a comprehensive and fascinating study which will be of immense value both for Patristic scholars and students of monasticism. * Palestine Exploration Quarterly *
'...a wonderful portrait of a way of life which was fully integrated into the life of the Church and of the Empire. This book earns a special place in the libraries of both students and scholars of history, Patristics, and Theology. Anybody interested in ancient Christian spirituality and desert monasticism will find in this book a thought-provoking opus. Indeed Binns has successfully given the master stroke in illustrating a more balanced view of monastic life: ascesis and apostolate...'
