Selected Works of Saint Jerome (Sempiterna Press Edition) Annotated and Translated by W. H. Fremantle “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” Few figures in church history possess the fiery brilliance, literary genius, and enduring cultural impact of Saint Jerome (c. 347–420 AD). Renowned as the towering scholar who single-handedly translated the Bible into the Latin Vulgate, Jerome was also a fierce polemicist, an ascetic pioneer, and a deeply dedicated spiritual director whose extensive correspondence shaped the moral fabric of the late Roman Empire. Sempiterna Press is proud to present this meticulously curated, single-volume collection of Jerome’s essential writings. Fully annotated to provide vital historical, theological, and classical context, this edition utilizes the celebrated translations and scholarly notes of W. H. Fremantle. It offers an unparalleled window into the mind of a saint who balanced rigorous academic mastery with a raw, uncompromising passion for truth. TABLE OF CONTENTS I. The Letters of St. Jerome The Letters: A magnificent selection of Jerome’s private and public correspondence, serving as an intimate historical canvas of late antiquity, filled with spiritual counsel, ascetic defense, and brilliant literary critiques. II. Treatises The Life of Paulus the First Hermit: A captivating, highly influential biographical account that chronicles the birth of the Christian monastic movement in the Egyptian desert. - The Life of S. Hilarion: Traces the miraculous life, trials, and ascetic triumphs of the man who established monasticism in Palestine. - The Life of Malchus, the Captive Monk: A gripping narrative of capture, temptation, and marital fidelity under pressure, illustrating the high virtues of the monastic vow. - The Dialogue Against the Luciferians: A razor-sharp doctrinal debate navigating Church schisms, defending orthodox baptism, and outlining ecclesial mercy for returning clergy. - The Perpetual Virginity of Blessed Mary: Jerome’s passionate, landmark defense against Helvidius, establishing the historic orthodox doctrine regarding the Mother of God. - Against Jovinianus: A fierce, extensive polemic contrasting the spiritual rewards of ascetic celibacy with the comforts of married life. - Against Vigilantius: A scathing defense of the traditional veneration of holy relics, the night vigils, and the spiritual value of monastic poverty. - To Pammachius Against John of Jerusalem: A brilliant, personal theological dispute examining the controversial teachings of Origen regarding the resurrection body. - Against the Pelagians: A vital, deep-dive dialogue countering heresy and defending the absolute necessity of divine grace in human salvation. III. Prefaces Prefaces to Jerome’s Early Works: Illuminating introductory notes revealing his early scholarly methodologies, translation hurdles, and historical intentions. - Prefaces to the Books of the Vulgate Version of the Old Testament: The legendary introductions detailing his monumental, paradigm-shifting translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into the common Latin tongue. - The Commentaries: Crucial prefaces to his biblical expositions, providing the literal, historical, and mystical frameworks he used to interpret the Word of God. The Sempiterna Press Standard This volume is tailored for readers who want to experience the true literary, historical, and spiritual weight of the early Church Fathers without sacrificing scannability and readability.