Ambrose of Milan: Church and Court in a Christian Capital

by Neil B. McLynn

In this new and illuminating interpretation of Ambrose, bishop of Milan from 374 to 397, Neil McLynn thoroughly sifts the evidence surrounding this very difficult personality. The result is a richly detailed interpretation of Ambrose's actions and writings that penetrates the bishop's painstaking presentation of self. McLynn succeeds in revealing Ambrose's manipulation of events without making him too Machiavellian. Having synthesized the vast complex of scholarship available on the late fourth century, McLynn also presents an impressive study of the politics and history of the Christian church and the Roman Empire in that period.

Admirably and logically organized, the book traces the chronology of Ambrose's public activity and reconstructs important events in the fourth century. McLynn's zesty, lucid prose gives the reader a clear understanding of the complexities of Ambrose's life and career and of late Roman government.

Genres: Church History

436 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Aaron Crofut · Rating 3 out of 5]

A used bookstore find. The "hidden Ambrose we can never discover" is a bit overplayed and some of the judgments could have been reserved, but it was an interesting account of St. Ambrose in the thick of Roman politics towards the end of the 4th Century. Great saints had to fight the same humdrum battles we do.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

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