Origen of Alexandria is the most influential thinker and writer of the Christian church after John the Evangelist and Paul the Apostle. This book charts his momentous impact on the structures, mindset, and doctrines of Christianity, from the third century when he wrote to the twenty-first century when his work has been enthusiastically revisited. It has been a long and enduring influence that has seen his star rise and wane many times over past centuries, but at each critical juncture of Christian reflection over the ages, he has been rediscovered and invariably offered important insights to contemporary issues.

John Anthony McGuckin is an archpriest of the Orthodox Church in the Patriarchate of Romania's Archdiocese in Western Europe, and the rector of St. Gregory's Chapel in St. Anne's on Sea, in northwest England. He is also a professor in the Theological Faculty of Oxford University.