The Life of Saint Neilos was written shortly after the saint’s death by a monastic companion and eyewitness. The text is admired for historical accuracy about persons and events, and for the valuable picture it gives, not only of monastic practices and discipline, but of daily life and local customs in Calabria. The present edition of the work is satisfying in every way. It contains an historical introduction to Nilus [Neilos, in Greek] and his times and to the text and translations; a critical edition of the Greek text with textual notes and, on facing pages, a good English translation with very helpful explanatory notes; plus a bibliography and an index. The translators, editors, and publisher deserve high praise for an excellent presentation of an important text at an affordable price.
Philip Timko
American Benedictine Review
