Readership: Scholars interested in Mariology, both ancient and modern; early Christian apocryphal literature; ancient gnostic traditions; Mediterranean late antiquity; and early Byzantium.
Stephen J. Shoemaker, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, University of Oregon
Review(s) from previous edition"What is truly striking about this book is its meticulous and thorough research. Specialists in the Dormition materials and Marian devotion will henceforward meed to take into account Shoemaker's claims. Likewise, students and scholars of early Christianity will welcome the translations he provides in the appendices. - Church History
"impressive ... both rich and illuminating: it offers many new insights on the development of legends surrounding the departure of the Mother of God from earthly life and her sojourn in paradise thereafter ... a valuable contribution to the field. Shoemaker treats both primary and secondary sources comprehensively and skilfully, adding critical and imaginative insights to the work which has been done in the field." - Sobornost
"the book's extensive bibliography is impressive ... The thesis is meticulously referenced with full and detailed footnotes ... Shoemaker's scholarship in this area will make his a name to reckon with in the future." - Journal of Theological Studies
"learned survey of the literary, archaeological, and liturgical sources for early traditions of the Dormition." - Bryn Mawr Classical Review
"...essential for the study of Mary in early Christianity." - Journal of the American Academy of Religion
1: Earliest Dormition Traditions 2: Palestinian Cult of the Virgin 3: Rival Traditions of Mary's Death 4: Prehistory and Origins of the Dormition Traditions Appendices A. The Ethiopic Liber Requiei B. Earliest Greek Dormition Narrative C. Fifth-Century Syriac Fragments D. The Ethiopic 'Six Books' E. (Ps.-) Evodius of Rome F. Jacob of Serug G. Palm Narrative Parallels
