Any chance we might see these? I realize the series was cancelled, but the four volumes that were released were generally quite good.
A
Are you referring to these volumes or something else?:
Baker Academic Church History Collection
Nope, but thanks for asking. I'm referring to this 5 part series that sadly never saw volume 3 completed.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Birth-Church-Constantine-History/dp/0801012708/ref=pd_sim_b_2
http://www.amazon.com/Public-Faith-Constantine-Medieval-312-600/dp/1854246895/ref=pd_sim_b_3
http://www.amazon.com/Reform-Conflict-Medieval-Religion-1350-1648/dp/0801012775/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_3
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801012783/sr=8-1/qid=1378325340/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1378325340&seller=&sr=8-1
I believe Baker cancelled it for some reason.
Sorry that wasn't it. There is also the expensive Oxford History of the Christian Church.
That's a bummer. It looks like they even had a cover for it and everything:
The Medieval Church: Christianity in the Age of Princes and Peasants
And there's a page for it on Amazon.co.uk:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Medieval-Church-Christianity-Peasants/dp/0801012767/ref=cm_lmf_tit_3
The author, Paul M. Bassett, is a retired professor (Nazarene Theological Seminary) and is a somewhat old guy, but it's not like he's dead or senile or anything (he is still giving interviews in 2013), so I'm not sure why they would have cancelled the book.
Rosie-Yes, it was quite confusing that Baker appears to have nearly released the volume. Some sites even provide a supposed release date, but unlike the other four volumes, I have never seen a copy of Vol. 3 in print or actually available for sale. The incomplete nature of the series doesn't diminish the value of the other four, so I'll just have to be satisfied with them in print I suppose. :-) If anyone ever stumbles upon the reason the series was cancelled and forced OOP, I'd love to hear the story.[:)]
The author, Paul M. Bassett, is a retired professor (Nazarene Theological Seminary) and is a somewhat old guy, but it's not like he's dead or senile or anything
He is a very pleasant teacher to listen to. Check him out here. Too bad his book won't be published.
If anyone ever stumbles upon the reason the series was cancelled and forced OOP, I'd love to hear the story.
I'm not sure I'll stumble upon it, but one could do some probing to find out. Like find a contact person at Baker and simply ask point blank. I did find Prof Barrett's email address and I bet he knows the answer and might tell someone if they asked him in the right way: it is his first two initials followed by his last name @nts.edu (the same pattern as all the other profs there use; I guessed it and a Google search confirmed it)
I have also been looking for Vol 3 for ages and wondered why I could not get a copy. I do suspect that as this period covers the start and rise of Islam it may be too controversial to publish without rewriting history (?).
I have the four volumes in print but would be willing to buy them in Logos format. It was actually supposed to be eight volumes in total. My print copies are UK version and the series goes under the name of the UK publisher hence is titled "The Monarch History of the Church"
http://www.theopedia.com/The_Baker_History_of_the_Church_book_series
I have found the book edifying to my faith in Christ. They have connected me to brothers and sisters past, and provided context around current beliefs in christendom.
I have really enjoyed the series. They are very complete in scope, have numerous references for further reading, and a helpful chronological timeline. Book 6 appears to be released, but not by baker publishing. Same author, time period and a slightly different title. Churches, Revolutions & Empires vs Church & Empire 1798-1914.
Shame they cancelled the series, it appears book 3 and 6 were already finished. Who knows how far seven and eight had progressed.
As for book 3, well I suppose there are already quite a few books on medieval church history. But what a hole to leave in a great series, very annoying from a completeness point of view.
I was unsure years ago whether to wait for the series to be completed before I purchased some of the books. I decided to support the series. I am glad I did, I own books 1, 2, 4, 5 and now book 6 is on its way albeit with a different publisher. Below is the link to book 6ish.
https://www.amazon.com/Churches-Revolutions-Empires-Ian-Shaw/dp/1845507746
