An introduction to the Christian history of north Africa, particularly modern Tunisia, during the days of the Roman Empire, specifically focusing on the martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicity, Tertullian, Cyprian, the Donatist controversy, and Augustine.

I want to underscore the work is introductory; the author traces developments in the faith in ways that are often sweeping and highly generalized. With Perpetua and Felicity he emphasizes lay spirituality and sees space for the influence of Montanism; Tertullian is recognized for who he is and his standing is given more credibility than in past days; I have to wonder if both trends are taking place as a general re=assessment of Montanism within Evangelicalism on account of the influence of Pentecostalism/the Charismatic movement. The author does well at expressing the rigor of Tertullian and Cyprian and how that would lead to the crisis of the Donatist controversy, which is also well explained. The author is judicious with Augustine, lauding his ability and influence while recognizing how he went a bit too far with his views on grace and predestination when disputing with the Pelagians.

As an introductory work it does well to show how north African Christians strongly influenced the trajectory of Western Christianity. Recommended to that end.

**--galley received as part of early review program ( )