<p>"First-rate scholarship paired with a contemporary idiom. These enigmatic, provocative, and deeply perceptive 'sayings' of the Desert Christians come to life in Tim Vivian’s work. Like reading graffiti on a subway wall and pondering the wisdom of the ages at the same time. The desert weaves through these pages with characteristic ferocity and unexpected compassion. I love it."<br /><b>Belden C. Lane, author of <i>The Solace of Fierce Landscapes: Exploring Desert and Mountain Spirituality</i></b></p>

“Tim Vivian has accomplished something extraordinary: a technical translation that is also user-friendly for those studying the early Christian movement. He has enriched this resource with his discussions around important early monastic/desert themes; footnotes that often provide more than technical information; and his excursuses. This is a great resource. I highly recommend it.”<br /><b>Laura Swan, OSB, author of <i>The Forgotten Desert Mothers</i></b><br />

“A wonderful book. The introduction on its own ought to be required reading in all theological schools and for those interested in literature generally. This collection of <i>The Sayings and Stories of the Desert Fathers and Mothers</i> is an edition that is destined to become a classic standard. To situate his material, Tim Vivian offers a generous and reflective introduction to the desert tradition that is both scintillating in its intellectual brilliance and moving in its spiritual profundity. The scholarly translations are accompanied at every step by commentary and insight that demonstrate Vivian’s fluent mastery and his status as one of the world’s preeminent leaders in the field. It is a book that scholar and student alike will treasure.”<br /><b>V. Revd. Prof. John A. McGuckin, Faculty of Theology, Oxford University</b>

"Tim Vivian’s translation of <i>The Sayings and Stories of the Desert Fathers and Mothers</i> offers both scholarly and pastoral insights using contemporary language. The annotations provide valuable revelations into the abstruse aphorisms, rendering it an essential resource for scholars and seekers alike. Vivian emphasizes the practical application of the sagacious wisdom of the desert fathers and mothers in everyday life, making it an indispensable volume for spiritual leaders seeking a profound understanding of early Christian spirituality."<br /><b>Father Macarius Refela, Presbyter, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles and Hawaii</b><br />

"This second volume along with its companion is very welcome and surely has a place in monasteries throughout the world."<br /><b><i>The Downside Review</i></b>

"If one wants to really dig into these stories, and make sense of them in their context—interwoven with scripture, theology, and history—Vivian’s work is absolutely essential."<br /><i><b>Englewood Review of Books</b></i><br />

"This two-volume work is a treasure chest, the riches of which are immense. Vivian's work is undoubtedly the new gold standard for scholars who are researching the desert monastics. It is an essential work of scholarship that should be in every theological library, and the personal library of every scholar interested in Early Christianity."<br /><i><b>Englewood Review of Books</b></i><br />

"Tim Vivian has provided in his two volumes enough food for thought, and for prayer, to reward multiple encounters with this classic of early Christian spirituality that both casts light on its own period and provides wisdom and insight on perennial blessings and challenges of a life of committed discipleship in every age." <br /><i><b>Catholic Books Review</b></i>

"Tim Vivian's decades of reading, translating, and interpreting early monastic literature come to fruition in this outstanding two-volume translation of the Greek alphabetical collection of the <i>Apophthegmata Patrum</i>. It is now the best English translation available, whether reading the collection as a historian engaged in research, seeking the spiritual wisdom of ancient ascetics, or a mix of both. Take up, read, and be transformed."<br /><i><b>Anglican and Episcopal History</b></i>

"It is now the best English translation available, whether reading the collection as a historian engaged in research, seeking the spiritual wisdom of ancient ascetics, or a mix of both. <i>Sayings and Stories</i> presents a fluent, readable, and accurate translation and multiple aids to assist the reader. Take up, read, and be transformed!"<br /><i><b>Anglican and Episcopal History</b></i>