The Formation of Christendom - (Princeton Classics) by Judith Herrin (Paperback)

The book "Christendom" by Judith Herrin is a groundbreaking history of how the Christian "West" emerged from the ancient Mediterranean world.

This comprehensive and engaging narrative covers the period from the sack of Rome in 410 to the coronation of Charlemagne in 800, providing a detailed account of how religion shaped this transformative era.

With a focus on the clash over graven images, banned by Islam, Herrin reveals how this conflict provoked iconoclasm in Constantinople and generated a distinct western commitment to Christian pictorial narrative.

The book also includes a new preface discussing the book's origins, reception, and influence. With an emphasis on the defining force of religion during this period, Herrin offers a learned and challenging interpretation of the transition from antiquity to the Middle Ages.

Her lucid dispassion follows magnificent themes with ease, making this book an obvious candidate for the Princeton Classics series.

The treatment of the iconoclastic controversy is particularly sparkling, providing a rich web of connections and cracks that shed light on the roots of Western distinctiveness. Whether you're a history buff, a religion scholar, or simply looking to expand your knowledge of this fascinating era, "Christendom" is an essential read.

With its unerring scholarship, wide scope, and fluent style, this book will enrich any debate about where modern Europe came from and provide a deeper understanding of the cultural and religious heritage that shapes our world today.

So why wait? Order your copy of "Christendom" today and discover the secrets of the ancient Mediterranean world!