This volume contains the dissertation (Catholic University of Louvain) of the Belgian scholar J. B. Abbeloos, who would later be known, at least among Syriac scholars, as co-editor and translator (with Lamy) of Barhebraeus’ Chronicon Ecclesiasticum. Here he studies the life and works of Jacob of Sarug. After a look at Syriac literature prior to Jacob, Abbeloos turns, in the biographical section to examine the sources and covers the time and place in which Jacob lived, as well as his episcopate. The major section of the book deals with Jacob’s thought, as taken from his writings. Naturally, there are many quotations (in Syriac with Latin translation) from his homilies. Abbeloos looks at, among other things, Jacob’s views on the Trinity, creation, original sin, the future life, the Eucharist, and the Incarnation, etc. The book concludes with two appendices: one on Syriac meter and poetry, and a short Syriac text on Jacob’s life (with Latin translation). There is also a short glossary of Syriac words missing from Castell’s Lexicon. This thorough treatment of the life and thought of one of Syriac literature’s most important figures will be of interest to every serious student of Syriac literature and eastern Christianity.

• Series Foreword (page 5)