James K. Lee's The Church in the Latin Fathers provides an excellent summary analysis of Western ecclesiological developments from the second to the fifth century. Lee situates his theological study within the social, ecclesiastical, and political changes characteristic of this period. He organizes the book around four key Latin theologians: Tertullian, Cyprian, Augustine, and Leo. While these figures do represent the most important sources for ecclesiology in the West, the effect of this arrangement is that the volume is primarily a study of the church in North Africa.

Each of the four main chapters serves as a précis for the given figure's context and thought. Tertullian is discussed in terms of martyrdom and Montanism. Cyprian's struggles over those who lapsed in persecution and consequent issues of schism and rebaptism are highlighted. Augustine's conflict with the Donatists and his theology of the two cities rightly take centerstage. And Leo's promotion of papal primacy grounded in Petrine authority defines his chapter.

If Lee has a thesis, it is merely that, despite all the change, continuity emerges in the shared commitment to viewing the church as one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. The real success of this book lies in its ability to offer such thorough summaries of complex ideas in clear, concise language. Indeed, this book reads more like a handbook than a monograph. This is not a shortcoming. Rather, it speaks to the real service this work provides to the academy. While Lee does not offer anything novel, he does provide an entrée into the world of patristic ecclesiology that will be authoritative for students at both the undergraduate and the graduate level for years to come.