The series was commissioned by the publishers and planned with the author in 3 volumes specifically with a view to publication in English for theological students and ordination candidates, to replace earlier works which had become out of date. It covers the period up to, but does not include, the crucial Counch of Nichea (A.D. 325) because Nicaea was, so to speak, a watershed and the basis of all subsequent development and formation of Western Christian doctrine and is already amply covered by scholarly writings. The preceding history, development and background is, however, less adequately covered and many carlier treatments have been rendered obsolete by recent archeological and other research. This major work has, by virtue of those parts which have so far appeared, already won for itself a high reputation in scholarly circles. The English edition has been most carefully revised and perfected in the course of translation