Gratian the Theologian

"The granular detail Wei provides should complement and stretch recent scholarship on Gratian and the Drecretalists a laudable contribution to the history of canon law and its deputed founder."—Patrick Hayes, Catholic Books Review

"Wei is a master of the sources and does a superb job not only of reviewing Gratian's own sources, both theological and canonical, but also of distinguishing different emphases of the first and second recensionThis book admirably advances the study of both mediaeval law and mediaeval theology."—W Becket Soule OP, Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio, Ecclesiastical Law Journal

"This is an exceptionally well-argued book, one which holds tightly to its sources to draw its conclusions without getting bogged down in minutiae or losing the reader. For just this reason, Wei's arguments are compelling and convincing, and his book is highly recommended reading for anyone with an interest in canon law, theology, or medieval religion."—Reviews in Religion and Theology

"Wei has already written extensively on Gratian, so the present work may be considered his crowning achievement. The footnotes and bibliography show his mastery of the primary sources as well as the relevant secondary literature in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish."—Journal of Theological Studies

"Whether the current interest and controversy surrounding the Decretum's compiler or his intent will be resolved in the near future remains uncertain. One can only guess. But whatever the outcome turns out to be, Wei's book will have made a positive contribution to our understanding of Gratian and the nature of his place in the development of European law."—Journal of Ecclesiastical History

"This book is certainly a must-read for specialists in the field of medieval canon law, but even nonspecialists will find much in it that is useful and enlightening Wei presents excellent context for the issues he discusses and clearly guides readers through the Decretum. The extensive footnotes display his deep knowledge of both the Decretum and twelfth-century intellectual culture. In sum, Gratian the Theologian is a deeply researched book that will be valuable for any student of the twelfth century."—Catholic Historical Review