This volume provides a detailed analysis of the homilies of Wulfstan of York (d. 1023), which in recent years—according to the author—have received less attention than his other works. The book, which combines both new and old material already published elsewhere, opens with a list of all the surviving manuscripts containing Wulfstan's homilies; this is followed by a useful and comprehensive survey which aims to re-establish the canon of his homiletic writings in light of manuscript evidence and contemporary editorial theory. The remaining six chapters analyze the homilies themselves following both a thematic and chronological development. Though longer than the previous ones, these chapters do not contain subheadings, which perhaps would have made it easier for the reader to follow the argument.

Building on much recent research which has emphasized the importance of going back to the manuscript context, Dr Lionarons reconstructs Wulfstan's process of composition and revision of his work, while also pointing out the use the Archbishop made of his sources and the development of his thoughts on given themes. Special attention is paid to the homilies on the Last Days, a recurring theme throughout Wulfstan's career. The volume also explores sermons on salvation history, Christian duties, sacraments (especially penance and baptism), and (archi)episcopal ceremonies, such as the consecration of bishops and churches. Wulfstan's most famous homily—the Sermo Lupi ad Anglos—is analyzed in a chapter which re-addresses the vexed but important question concerning the order of composition of the homily's various surviving versions.