Abstract
This succinct yet insightful volume is a welcome addition to the library of growing scholarship on the Protevangelium of James. The book falls into two main sections: the introduction (pp. 1–48); and the English translation with notes (pp. 49–108). There is also a helpful bibliography of texts and translations, as well as secondary studies (pp. 109–115). The introduction commences with a discussion of the influence of the Protevangelium of James on Christian art and thought. This is followed by a detailed summary of the contents of the text (pp. 4–11). From here Vuong progresses to discuss many of the standard introductory issues and questions including the various titles for this work, the date and provenance, the relationship with Judaism, as well as matters pertaining to authorship and sources. The remainder of the introduction focuses largely on the portrayal of Mary as a figure of growing pious interest and devotion in early Christianity, as well as being the focus of artistic depiction. Here Vuong identifies the overarching theme of the work to be ‘Mary’s extreme and unparalleled purity’ (p. 31). The introduction concludes with a discussion of the textual history of the Protevangelium of James.
In part two, Vuong offers an excellent, contemporary translation of the work. In particular, attention must be drawn to the helpful accompanying notes. These deal with a range of interpretative issues such as translational choices, variant readings, and brief commentary where appropriate. For the Greek text one will have to turn elsewhere. However, in conjunction with an edition of the text in the original language, this volume is useful for scholars, rather than simply functioning as an introduction for non-specialist readers. Overall, this volume packs a lot of deep insight into a short compass.