Theodore the Stoudite was one of the most influential Byzantine authors and ecclesiastical authorities, playing a prominent role in the defense of icons during the second period of the iconoclastic controversy (early ninth century). The present publication from the Dumbarton Oaks Medieval Library series translates for the first time into English three medieval Greek texts—the Life of Theodore of Stoudios by Michael the Monk, the Encyclical Letter of Naukratios, and the Translation and Burial of the Remains of Theodore of Stoudios and Joseph of Thessalonike—which, notwithstanding their different authorship, compositional date, and purposes, revolve around the life, contests, death, burial, and reburial of this ecclesiastical authority. With this volume once again the Dumbarton Oaks Medieval Library series succeeds in advancing its mission, which is to offer to a wider audience (academic and lay) an engaging translation complemented by erudite notes that elucidate the three medieval Greek works’ textual witnesses and transmission history and analyze their context and content.
The English translation is smooth and appealing, resulting in an enthralling reading. The Notes to the Translations offer important information regarding both content and context that helps readers to comprehend information from the translated texts, including references to biblical verses and patristic sources. On the whole, this volume is a very welcome addition to the overall series, whose scope it serves exceptionally well. Readers who are interested in the works of Theodore the Stoudite will find this volume particularly valuable, not only because of the translated texts but also owing to the rich notes that accompany them.
Michail Kitsos
Bryn Mawr Classical Review
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