A leading scholar of ascetical studies, Richard Valantasis explores a variety of ascetical traditions ranging from the Greco-Roman philosophy of Musonius Rufus, the asceticism found in the Nag Hammadi Library and in certain Gnostic texts, the "Gospel of Thomas", and other early Christian texts. This collection gathers historical and theoretical essays develop a theory of asceticism that informs the analysis of historical texts and opens the way for postmodern ascetical studies. Wide-ranging in historical scope and in developing theory, these essays address asceticism for scholar and student alike. The theory will be of particular interest to those interested in cultural theory and analysis, while the historical essays provide the researcher with easy access to a significant corpus of academic writing on asceticism.
- ISBN10 0227903277
- ISBN13 9780227903278
- Publish Date 28 May 2015 (first published 15 March 2008)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint James Clarke & Co Ltd
- Format eBook
- Pages 336
- Language English