In the space of 128 pages and eight chapters, the author sets Chrysostom’s life and ministry in its religious, political and historical contexts. Chrysostom’s life is sketched, including the various conflicts and betrayals that he experienced as he followed Christ. His journey from hermit to bishop of Constantinople, to being classed as one of the great Church Fathers is briefly described. Blackburn deals with John’s beliefs and lifestyle both of which would bring him into conflict with the emperor and other bishops of the Eastern Church. Chrysostom is known in church history as one of the defenders of the Christ’s deity and of Trinitarian theology. His contribution to the theology and development of the Orthodox Church is something that has kept him to the forefront even today. He was regarded as one of the best preachers of his time and contributed to the development of modern day homiletics and hermeneutics. Blackburn notes, ‘sixth-century churchmen began regularly referring to him as ‘Chrysostomos’ which is Greek for ‘golden mouthed.’ (Chrysostom is the anglicised form of the Greek.) (page 10.) This is a good short introduction to Chrysostom; it is also a good refresher for those who may have forgotten some of their church history.