This book is unique in English as a rapid reference to those men and women who have, over the last two millenia contributed to the life, history and study of Christianity in all its facets, regardless of denomination. Entries are concise and accessible but for key influential figures, longer essays have been written. They range from major biblical figures to those still living. Care has been taken to avoid a too-Western orientation in the choice of those included with in-depth coverage of Africa, India and China as well as Orthodoxy, both Greek and Russian.