Description: Contemplative reading is a spiritual practice developed by Christian monks in sixth- and seventh-century Mesopotamia. The Library of Paradise tells the story of this Syriac tradition in three phases: its establishment as an ascetic practice, the articulation of its theology, and its maturation and spread.
Review Quotes: "The Library of Paradise provides a well-researched history of how this tradition of uniquely Syriac contemplative reading unfolded across the centuries." -- Jonathan Loopstra, Redeemer University
"The book tells one particular story of how a Syriac tradition of contemplative reading developed in Mesopotamia among the Christian monastic communities of the Church of the East in the sixth and seventh centuries." -- Catalin-Stefan Popa, BRILL"David Michelson's monograph, The Library of Paradise, offers a compelling look into monastic spirituality in the late antique Church of the East. Focusing on a less-studied region and tradition of a still under-studied subfeld-Syriac Christianity-this book has much to offer historians of Christianity broadly." -- Philip A. Lindia, Fides et Historia"One does not need to be a scholar to appreciate the significance of Michelson's efforts to ensure that our knowledge of East Syriac monasticism and its reading practices continues to grow. ... Not everyone will choose (or be able) to learn Syriac, but through the work of scholars like Michelson we are exposed to unfamiliar ideas and practices that potentially enrich our perspectives while deepening our spiritual lives." -- Andrew J. Pottenger, Current"Library of Paradise is undoubtedly a valuable reference work that profoundly contributes to scholarship, offering a new view on Syriac ascetic reading and inviting further research. It is a must-read for scholars and students interested in ascetic monastic reading and anyone seriously interested in reading history. I highly recommend it for purchase." -- Francisco Barros, Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary