Abstract
John Cassian has long been recognized as a master of ascetic theory. It is only in recent years, however, that his abilities as a Latin stylist have begun to be acknowledged. This paper examines how Cassian used the prefaces of his ascetic treatises to win a hearing for his version of the monastic life. His works were intended to influence a highly literate, aristocratic audience, and the strategies he employed to gain admission into this circle of readers offer a valuable insight into the methods of a late antique writer.
| Translated title of the contribution | Underpinning the Text: Self-Justification in John Cassian's Ascetic Prefaces |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Pages (from-to) | 411 - 436 |
| Number of pages | 26 |
| Journal | Journal of Early Christian Studies |
| Volume | 13 (4) |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2005 |