The Narrative Conflict of Traditions in the Late Antique World: Cyril versus Julian

— —

Brad Boswell (Samford University, Alabama)

The Narrative Conflict of Traditions in the Late Antique World

Cyril versus Julian

Brad Boswell (Samford University, Alabama)

$272.95 $218.21

Hardback

Not in-store but you can order this
How long will it take?

Availability Information

We source books from suppliers in Australia and overseas. For books we don't currently have in stock, the time it takes to get them from our suppliers can vary widely - from a few days to a few months - so we check each book with each supplier to determine the expected time it will take to be supplied to us.

We then advise you accordingly. If the time taken to get any book is too long for you, you can let us know and we will cancel or adjust your order, and refund as required.

To find out the anticipated arrival time for specific items prior to ordering, please contact us by phone or email:

Phone +61 2 9264 3111, or 1800 4 BOOKS (1800 4 26657) if outside Sydney:
option 1 Abbey's Bookshop (Crime, History, Science, Kids & more) • info@abbeys.com.au
option 2 Language Book Centre (ESL & Foreign Languages) • language@abbeys.com.au
option 3 Galaxy Bookshop (Sci-fi, Fantasy, Romance, Graphic Novels) • sf@galaxybooks.com.au

QTY:

English

Cambridge University Press
09 October 2025

Literary studies: classical, early & medieval; Christianity; New Testaments

Intellectual conflict between Early Christians and pagans was not uncommon during the first centuries of the Christian era, as is amply reflected in writings from this period. In this study, Brad Boswell deepens our understanding of the nature and aims of such conflict through a study of two key texts: Against the Galileans, by Roman Emperor Julian 'the Apostate,' and Against Julian, by bishop Cyril of Alexandria written nearly a century later. Drawing from Alasdair MacIntyre's philosophy of conflict between traditions, he explores how both texts were an exercise in 'narrative conflict' whose aim was to demonstrate the superior explanatory power of their respective traditions' narrative. Acknowledging the shared cultural formation between a pagan like Julian and a Christian like Cyril, Boswell challenges interpretive models emphasizing the points of commonality between the traditions. He offers a fresh approach to Julian's anti-Christian writings, provides the foundational analysis of Cyril's little-studied treatise, and invites reconsideration of the emerging Christian tradition within its intellectual contexts.

By: Brad Boswell (Samford University Alabama)
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Weight: 618g
ISBN: 9781009493949
ISBN 10: 1009493949
Pages: 350
Publication Date: 09 October 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Brad Boswell is Visiting Assistant Professor at Samford University. He is the recipient of fellowships at Dumbarton Oaks Manuscript and Research Library and the Seeger Center at Princeton University.