Clement has had a special place in Sources Chrétiennes from its early days: the second book in the series was the Protrepticus, published in 1941, initially with just a translation by Claude Mondésert, but republished in 1949 with Greek text as well. The first book of the Stromateis came soon after as number xxx in the series in 1951, introduced by Claude Mondésert, with translation and notes by Marcel Caster. It is a testimony to the enormous success of the Sources Chrétiennes that there are now more than six hundred volumes, and this second edition of Stromateis I is number dcxxxiii in the series. Pouderon has rewritten the introduction, reedited the text, composed a fresh translation and added new annotations. Thus an enormous amount of labour has gone into this work.

The text has been established afresh by closely consulting the sole surviving manuscript for Clement's Stromateis, Codex Laurentianus, which is held in Florence and was available to the editor through reproductions. However, the editor praises the ‘excellent quality’ of the 1985 Griechische Christliche Schriftsteller critical text, edited by Stählin, Freuchtel and Treu, in light of which it has not been necessary to make many emendations. Only a couple of pages are needed for ‘the most significant’ independent readings (pp. 63–5). The translation is also wholly new, and aims to be ‘as close to the text as possible’ (p. 62). However, there is no introduction to the translation as such, which could have given an overview of characteristics and conventions of this version, its differences from the last and challenges for the translator. The annotations have been redone and much expanded. They include comments on variant readings of the text, notes drawing attention the significance of particular words or passages within Clement, and citation of other ancient sources for comparison. This is a significant contribution, in the continuing absence of a detailed commentary on Stromateis I. The introduction to the volume has also been rewritten. It addresses conventional areas: basic biographical details about the author, the literary problem of Clement's works, the genre and title of the Stromateis and the contents and structure of Stromateis I. Pouderon's interpretations follow established lines within scholarship, and although the bibliography of modern authors updates the 1951 edition, it does not represent the breadth or liveliness of Clement scholarship at the current time. Pouderon pays homage to the contribution of Alain Le Boulluec, which has indeed been immense, and includes others who have been significant in the debate, such as Havrda, van den Hoek and Wyrwa. But no mention is made of, for example, the work of Bogdan Bucur, Kathleen Gibbons or Clifton Ward (perhaps the latter came out a little late for the press). It is commendable that the bibliography of ancient sources is extensive.