In this book, Binns examines the monastic movement in Palestine during the Byzantine period, from the accession of Constantine to the fall of Jerusalem to the Persians in 614. The monasteries of the desert—in Jerusalem, Egypt, and Syria—played an influential role in Byzantine society, and the "desert fathers" are well known even today as key figures in the history of Christian spirituality. Binns uses contemporary sources to discuss both how the monks actually lived, and their contributions to doctrinal and spiritual debates.

"Binns's physical descriptions are exceedingly fresh...a most thorough and comprehensive study."

"...[a] fine study....all students of early Christianity, monasticism, Church history, and early Christian spirituality should be grateful for this work."

"...a commendable piece of work that provides a much needed general account of Palestinian monasticism in English based on a thorough knowledge of the historical sources and modern literature."

"...the best treatment of Cyril available in English."

"...the book is really a series of useful set-pieces on the retrievable facts about early monastic life in the Judean desert, and as such is certainly a valuable resource for anyone wishing to study ancient sources intelligently."

John Binns, Vicar of the University Church of St. Mary the Great, Cambridge