Philoxenus (Aksenoyo) of Mabbug, who died in 523, is one of the most important theologians of the Syrian Orthodox tradition. Budge offers in these two volumes the Syriac text and English translation of that author’s Discourses on Admonition of the (Monastic) Way of Life. Volume 1 contains the Syriac text with critical apparatus, and volume 2 the translation prefaced by a lengthy introduction, in which Budge covers the metropolitan of Mabbug’s life, works, and theology. On this last point, some fragments from Philoxenus (up to that time unedited) that make his theological position clear are presented in Syriac. Naturally, the manuscripts used for the text and translation are also discussed. Finally, Budge not only provides an index of biblical quotations, but also gives the texts used by Philoxenus side by side with those of the Peshitta for comparison. These significant volumes are essential reading for those interested in monasticism, the Syriac Bible, and Syrian Orthodox theology and spirituality.
