"The best introduction to its subject... scholarly and urbane...a fine example of critical exposition...a mystery story on the highest possible level, enlivened by Dr, Schweitzer's wit, and enriched by his effective command of simile and metaphor...affords a wide view of the whole library of critical theology. " – Saturday Review
"The search for the Jesus of history-as an activity distinct from faith in Jesus Christ-is a phenomenon of modern times. It began with the Enlightenment and dominated critical theology throughout the nineteenth century. The debate about the historical Jesus in the twentieth century is a debate with that mainstream of nineteenth-century theology. Yet few have read the massive and inaccessible tomes from that period. It is fortunate indeed that one of the truly great human beings of our century has provided us with a classic that brilliantly analyzes this period of research. A study of it is prerequisite to a relevant participation in the current debate about the new quest of the historical Jesus." -From the introduction by James M. Robinson, Claremont Graduate School