Best Book on early Christian History?

[Shane R]

Eusebius and Sozomen are the two earliest church historians. There is also Mosheim. All of these writers have their flaws, but as you read more modern works you will find that you are frequently seeing quotations from those three authors.

 

[OzSpen]

I've been paging through Henry Chadwick's The Early Church. It's a little dense. I'd like something more accessible.

What are your favorite books on early Christian History?

Since I used to teach church history at Bible college level, the text I found to be very accessible for those with little background in church history was: Earle E. Cairns 1981. Christianity through the Centuries. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House. It is now in its third edition (1996) published by Zondervan

Another very accessible book is: Bruce L Shelley 1982. Church History in Plain Language. Waco, Texas: Word Books. It is now in its third edition (Thomas Nelson).

However, please understand that both of these books cover the whole gamut of church history, including that of the early church.

Sincerely, Oz