I purchased this book when it was published in 2006 and just finished rereading it last month. Although written from the perspective of the Assyrian Church of the East and recommended by the Patriarch of the ACOE, it is an excellent illustrated general history of the Church from its beginnings to the present day.

Christoph Baumer is one of the very few Westerners to have visited many of the most important Assyrian sites, and has written a very comprehensive history of this once-labeled "Nestorian" (or East Assyrian) Church, which now fights for survival in its country of origin, Iraq. He traces its growth and discusses the Church's theology, christology and uniquely vigorous spirituality. He analyzes the Church's turbulent relationship with other Christian chuches and its dialogue with neighboring world religions such as Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, Islam, Buddhism and Taoism. Richly illustrated with maps and over 150 full-color photographs, the book is essential reading for those interested in a fascinating but neglected Christian community which has shaped the history of civilization in both East and West.