The People of God Series by Anthony E. Gilles (1980’s Six Volume Paperback Set)
•	Author: 		 Anthony E. Gilles •	Designed by: 	 Julie Lonneman •	Cover Illustrations: 	 Julie Lonneman •	Publisher: St. Anthony Messenger Press Cincinnati, OH U.S.A. 1983-1988
The history of Catholicism is a major portion of the history of Christian faith. Anthony E. Gilles traces its development through the Jewish traditions of the Old Testament to Christian Church beginnings in hushed gatherings within the Roman Empire to its current size and influence - in an accessible and enjoyable style. These are the original paperback St. Anthony Messenger Press publications (1983-1988) of the six history volumes comprising this best-selling People of God Series.
This set will help you understand how the Church developed in relation to (or in rebellion against) the larger culture. It details centuries of crucial turning points from the development of apostolic succession up to the implementation of the reforms in Vatican II. Complete with maps, timelines, and special "focus" sections on important events and issues, this valuable resource belongs in the collection of every student of Church history.
Details about each of the six volumes are given below, namely Title, ISBN, Time Period Discussed (TPD), number of pages, and copyright. Because these books were part of a series with the same publisher, information can be simplified. Each title begins "The People Of ", Each ISBN has the same 1st 7 digits & pattern, namely "0-86716-0##-#", Each TPD starts "The Story Behind the...".
ISBN Time Period TITLE Begins 0-86716-0 Discussed Number of Year of The People of.. ends The Story Behind the.. pages Copyright 1. ..The Book. 26-8. Old Testament. xii + 178. 1983. 2. ..The Way. 36-5. New Testament. viii + 142. 1984. 3. ..The Creed. 46-2. Early Church. xi + 170. 1985. 4. ..The Faith. 67-5. Church of the Middle Ages. xvi + 177. 1986. 5. ..Anguish. 68-3. Reformation. xvi + 194. 1987. 6. ..Hope. 69-1. Modern Church. xvii + 205. 1988.
Condition of set is Very Good. Most have former owner's name and date in front pages. Most open as if not read or read very carefully. Only the 3rd title has reading creases in spine. All likely acquired late 1980s from dates written with signature. Edition or print-run not given in books. Scarce collection. Out-of-Print.
Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:
Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.” Using the same term as coin collectors, “can’t guarantee it is uncirculated, but it looks very much like it could be.” Booksellers need similar grading to describe this...
Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher. Same sort of thing about grading as Fine above except generally used for newer publication dates with title still in print.
Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.
Acceptable – How a young child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)
Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have missing pages (you should ask). Usually requires repair to be usable.
Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.
1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy for their collection.