Patrick Laurence (University of Tours) has edited and revised thirteen articles originally published between 1996 and 2007. As issued now, the book presents a coherent comparison between St Jerome's ascetic ideal and the reality of monastic life at the end of the fourth and beginning of the fifth century. The book is divided into three sections: first, ‘Chastity and models of it’; second, ‘Chastity and its counter models’; and finally, ‘Status, culture and religion’. The author includes a useful (though not exhaustive) bibliography of primary and secondary sources, as well as four indices of biblical passages, ancient authors (both Christian and non-Christian), proper names and themes. In the first section, Laurence surveys and analyses Jerome's major writings on the monastic ideal: letter 22 (to Eustochium), the Life of Malchus and the Epitaph for Paula. Jerome's thoughts here are aimed mostly, though not exclusively, at women ascetics. The middle section of the book sees Laurence quoting extensively from Jerome's works to paint a vivid and accurate picture of his idealistic principles of monasticism. These principles are effectively contrasted with what Jerome and others say concerning the differing roles of women in non-Christian Roman society, focussing on the meretrix or courtesan. The final section discusses what Jerome says about the social status of the women monastics whom he knew and encouraged. It is perhaps no surprise that Laurence concludes that it was possible and acceptable for aristocratic women to join the monastic life, but not for women of lower social and economic status. This is a worthy book which brings together, for those who do not have ready access to the journals, a plethora of information which scholars of Jerome and of the history and development of monasticism in the early Church will find beneficial. Laurence is to be commended for his thoroughness and the editors and publishers for their careful and handsome production.