Eatern Christianity History reading list suggestions?

[urpedonmommy]

A recent post on the general board has prompted my own interest in learning more about the history of Christianity in the East, or more accurately perhaps, the eastern "Roman" empire (Byzantine empire). I have checked a basic history of Byzantium out of the library, but what else should I be reading? What have you read that you liked? Who are some of the big names in the Eastern Christian tradition? Theologians and churchmen, as well as rulers, movers and shakers? Point me in the right direction please! Thanks.:D

ETA: Sigh. Of course, I meant to type Eastern Christianity, not Eatern.

[Orthodox6]

Of sterling worth, for studying Byzantine history, are these two books:

(1) A Short History of Byzantium by John Julius Norwich. The three-volume original set would be even better ( ! ), but far more expensive.

(2) History of the Byzantine Empire by Alexander A. Vasiliev.

Read either of these (both if you can), and you will have a superb grounding in the topic.

As for the Church, there is a wealth of accurate information at this website: http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/

For Internet resources on Byzantium, head over here: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/byzantium/index.html

If I can help with anything else, please let me know.

Enjoy your reading !

Antonia

[happygrrl]

An easy introductory read found in most libraries is "The Orthodox Church" by Timothy Ware. It was one of the first I read, and laid a good foundation for further exploration.

(now, several books later, I am attending an Eastern Orthodox Church :))

[urpedonmommy]

Timothy Ware--is he also Bishop Kallistos Ware? I think my library has this as well. Thanks for the reccomendation!

[Orthodox6]

Yes.

Timothy Ware--is he also Bishop Kallistos Ware? I think my library has this as well. Thanks for the reccomendation!

[Anna]

Timothy Ware--is he also Bishop Kallistos Ware?

Yes, one and the same. The Orthodox Church by Timothy Ware was the book I was going to recommend. It was the first book I read on the history of the Eastern Church.