Yale University Library Research Guides: REL 600 Introduction to Theology: Ambrose of Milan

Introduction to Ambrose

To browse materials on Ambrose of Milan, use call number BR65.A316.

Ambrose by Boniface Ramsey Explores the impact of Ambrose on Western civilization, and examines the complexity of his ideas and influence; as a poet, ascetic, mystic and politician. Includes up-to-date account of his life and work, with translations of key writings.

Ambrose Studies

Ambrose of Milan and the End of the Arian-Nicene Conflicts by Daniel H. Williams Concerns interactions between Ambrose and Arians, politically and socially contextualized.
The Politics of Heresy in Ambrose of Milan by Michael Stuart Williams Ambrose of Milan is famous above all for his struggle with, and triumph over, 'Arian' heresy. Yet, almost all of the evidence comes from Ambrose's own writings, and from pious historians of the next generation who represented him as a champion of orthodoxy. This detailed study argues instead that an 'Arian' opposition in Milan was largely conjured up by Ambrose himself.
Enchantment and Creed in the Hymns of Ambrose of Milan by Brian P. Dunkle Overview of the hymns of Ambrose of Milan in the context of fourth-century doctrinal song and Ambrose's own catechetical preaching. Summary presentation of early Christian hymnody, with special attention to Ambrose's Latin predecessors. Online available.
The Lands of Saint Ambrose Monks and Society in Carolingian Milan by Ross Balzaretti A history of Milan in the early medieval period. Its main theme is the role of monastic communities. In the case of Milan a single monastery can be studied in great detail: the Benedictine community founded by Charlemagne, c. 789, next to the basilica in which St Ambrose himself was buried. This thesis challenges the views of earlier generations of scholars who downplayed the role of the monastery in the mechanisms of social change, in favour of a 'new' mercantile class.

Ambrose in Translation

Letters, 1-91 by Sister Mary Melchior Beyenka Online available.
Hexameron, Paradise, and Cain and Abel by John J. Savage Online available.
Theological and Dogmatic Works Fc044 by Roy J. Deferrari Four essays of Ambrose expound upon sacramental and Trinitarian theology. The two essays on "the mysteries" and on "the sacraments" provide a window into the liturgical practices of the ancient Italian church, for which Ambrose-ever the Scripture scholar par excellence-explains the biblical basis. Two other essays, one a response to Arianism and the other a refutation of the contentions of those who opposed the full divinity of the Holy Spirit. Online available.
Seven Exegetical Works by Saint Ambrose Ambrose often recast his sermons as treatises, and seven of these are presented in this volume. These works are mainly an exegesis of many parts of the Bible, particularly of portions of Genesis, Deuteronomy, Job, and the Song of Songs, IV Esdras and IV Machabees. Online available.
Ambrose of Milan by J. H. W. G. Liebeschuetz The tenth book of his collection of letters; the letters that are preserved outside his published collection (Epistulae extra collectionem); and his funeral speeches for Valentinian II and Theodosius I. They document not only his influence over the bishops of neighbouring cities, but also his celebrated conflicts with the imperial court over the altar of Victory at Rome, the imperial siege of churches in Milan, the affair of the synagogue at Callinicum, and the massacre of civilians at Thessalonica. Online available.
On Abraham by Theodosia Tomkinson
Exposition of the Holy Gospel According to Saint Luke with Fragments on the Prophecy of Isaias by Theodosia Tomkinson