Abstract
This work is clearly organised around the different facets of the life of Athanasius. Following an initial biographical outline, Gwynn treats in independent chapters Athanasius’ role as bishop, theologian, ascetic, and spiritual father. He closes with a chapter on Athanasius’ end and his substantial legacy. Using this method, there is some necessary repetition between chapters as Gwynn ‘draws together the different roles that he played’ (ix). He offers a two-page chronology of Athanasius’ life, which is fortunately placed at the beginning, given that many dates are contended, and the chapters repeat material.
Gywnn incorporates his previous work on Athanasius’ construction of a monolithic heresy of ‘Arianism’. He acknowledges the roughness of some aspects of Athanasius’ leadership, but offers a generally positive portrait. Gwynn does a particularly nice job of tracing the continuity of core elements of Athanasius’ theology from Contra Gentes-De Incarnatione onwards, while noting the bishop’s pragmatic efforts for broader unity. He also makes the best use of available evidence to provide a picture of Athanasius’ pastoral efforts in his diocese, a generally neglected topic.
While Gwynn wants readers to make up their own mind, some contentious events are handled too indecisively. Consider the following: ‘They alleged that Athanasius had threatened to withhold the corn shipments that sailed from Egypt to Constantinople. Whether this was true or not…’ (30). On the death of George of Alexandria: ‘The bishop was seized and imprisoned, and a month later he was lynched, whether by pagans or Athanasius’ supporters is unknown’ (49). It is indeed responsible to indicate when there is inadequate information to be dogmatic, but there is still enough data in these cases to render historical judgment, however cautiously expressed. Granted, Gwynn may have felt pressure to ensure that the work remained accessible to a wider audience, but none of the abundant secondary literature that exists on these issues is footnoted.
Overall, however, this is a fine introduction with an up-to-date bibliography, although those closely researching the history and theological conflicts of this period will also want to consult the monographs by Barnes (1993), Anatolios (1998), and Parvis (2006) as a foundation from which to engage the vast literature in the journals. Oxford has done a service making this available at an affordable price, and I recommend its purchase by university and departmental libraries.