Tabbernee Prophets and Gravestones

Not too long ago, I received a review copy of Tabbernee's Prophets and Gravestones from Bobby at Hendrickson. The title doesn't make it terribly obvious, but the book is about Montanism, or as they called it themselves, the New Prophecy. Tabbernee is uniquely qualified to write the book; he is the one who has done the archaeological digs at Pepouza, Montanus' home base.

As he explains in the introduction, the book started out as a series of stories for the workers on the dig. The book continues that format, consisting of short little 1-3 page vignettes about various people either involved in the New Prophecy or fighting against it. He uses fragments from the writings of New Prophecy members, their opponents, and archaeological discoveries to weave together a very engaging book. The footnotes are extensive, allowing you to see where he allows his storytelling abilities to go beyond the evidence. Even when he does go beyond the evidence, the information conveyed is valuable and enlightening; there is no doubt he knows his early church history.

Tabbernee suggests the book as a textbook for those studying Montanism, or even early church history. While the information conveyed is accurate, and the book entertaining, I would hesitate to agree with that; there is just something in me that rebels at the thought of having what is basically a series of historical novel type stories as a textbook! But, it might not be so bad; he clearly documents his sources and the bibliography at the back is 8 pages long. In addition, he includes an index of ancient sources plus a general index. In many ways this is better documentation than some textbooks give, but still...

That aside, students interested in the New Prophecy and early church history stand to learn much from his delightful little yarns. Just remember that it is a dramatization, and you will be fine.

Update:
Bobby tells me that Hendrickson has posted a study guide for the book. Scroll down to the bottom of the page; it is a PDF with a series of good questions for discussion.