This is a classic survey and now I understand why. The structure is easy to follow and makes sense, but it does not feel wooden. Young preserves the more organic quality of back and forth and blurriness that characterized the period between Nicaea and Chalcedon. Personalities that are rarely discussed in this context are given treatment that serves to deepen the richness of the landscape and offer a broader perspective. Young achieves this throughout the book, but chapter 5 (Ephrem, Chrysostom, Nemesius, Cyril of Jerusalem, Epiphanius and Synesius) is dedicated to that aim. This serves the project well. The work on the Cappadocians is also worth noting as it displays a keenness to illustrate connection and personality as the valuable commodities they were in the late antique milieu. The final chapter offers a concise and fair summary of the Christological controversies. Cyril is given his due, but Nestorius does not suffer from an uncomplicated write off. The others who would find themselves barely clinging to the side of the boat, such as Theodoret, are given enough space to offer depth and consequence.

Young pulls no punches; measured wit makes for a smooth and enjoyable read. The bibliography is extensive and the structure allows for engagement with sources on multiple levels, offering detailed source information and considerations of political maneuvers if one so desires, but her structure does not alienate a reader who would rather come back to it. Young leaves the reader with a stronger sense of the larger story and what was at stake, infusing the story with feeling (skill with epistolatory material drives this strength).

From Nicaea to Chalcedon is excellent and well worth a re-read. Also, I will not hesitate to recommend this as pivotal text for students of early Christian history. It is accessible and well-informed without being clumsy or overly dense.