Theodore, archbishop of Canterbury (668-90), was a monk of Greek origin and extraordinary learning, who shaped the English church into a structure it retained for a millennium. Yet until recently he has remained a shadowy figure, whose early career in the Near East and at Rome has been wholly unknown.

The recent publication of previously unprinted biblical commentaries from Theodore's Canterbury school has helped to clarify the picture. Building on these commentaries, this new book presents a detailed investigation of the now available evidence and establishes Theodore's cultural and spiritual background and the formation of his learning.

It draws on the expertise of scholars across a wide range of disciplines to provide a fresh account of Theodore's career and writings on such diverse subjects as canon law, penitential literature, liturgy and Latin rhythmical verse - revealing a unique personality who brought to Anglo-Saxon England the cultural heritage of Syria, Byzantium and Rome.