"[S]tellar scholarship . a marvel . This volume is a great basis for lectiodivina , for a retreat, for a class in the spiritual life and its vision and tools." -- Michael Plekon, Cistercian Studies Quarterly "The mysterious ancient monk Hyperechios and his neglected but profound Exhortation to the Monks have found their ideal translator and interpreter in Tim Vivian. No one has translated as much early monastic literature as Vivian, and few can match his knowledge of Christian spirituality, past and present. This book is an outstanding resource for professional historians and, even more, for anyone interested in the spiritual aspects of the Christian monastic tradition."-- David Brakke, The Ohio State University "Tim Vivian has once again introduced the English-speaking world to another important desert Christian ascetic. This text is not only a superb translation of Hyperechios' Exhortation but a deep, meaningful introduction to the world of early Christian monasticism.

I highly commend it!"-- Greg Peters, Biola University "What a great service Tim Vivian has done in making this extraordinary but little known compilation of spiritual wisdom from ancient Christian monasticism available to us in English. Hyperechios's teaching on the spiritual life is characterized by deep authority and compassion and it resonates anew for us in our own time. A significant contribution to our understanding of the spirituality of the desert fathers and mothers."-- Douglas E. Christie, Loyola Marymount University "One of the leading experts on the world and spirituality of the Christian desert, and a prolific translator of its writings, Tim Vivian here offers us a new translation of the relatively unknown sayings of Hyperechios, together with a wonderful introduction, Greek text, and lengthy glossary explaining the key terms involved. We can be grateful to Vivian for sharing with us more of his spiritual wisdom and scholarly ability; this volume is sure to enrich our knowledge and lives." --John Behr, University of Aberdeen "Of the 160 sayings of Hyperechios, only eighteen ended up in the Alphabetical and Systematic Collection of the Sayings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers. The rest have been waiting in Greek patrology for a reader and translator.

Tim Vivian has now filled that gap. And rightly so, for Hyperechios brings monastic life into the limelight in his own way as evidenced by, among other things, his attention to Scripture, fraternal love, and the place of the cross of Christ in monastic life. An almost forgotten abba is here given a voice and a face again in the great choir of monks through Tim Vivian's work." --Br. Thijs Ketelaars, Order of Saint Benedict, Sint-Adelbertabdij, The Netherlands PRAISE FOR THE LIFE OF BISHOI : "This volume is undoubtedly both a milestone in the study of early Christian spirituality and a tremendous achievement."-- Samuel Rubenson, Lund University "The collective labor that went into the production of this volume was undoubtedly large. I suspect the benefits accruing to interested readers will be even larger." -- Stephen J.

Davis, Yale University.