Post-Mediæval Preachers: Some Account of the Most Celebrated Preachers of the 15th, 16th, & 17th Centuries; with outlines of their sermons, and specimens of their style

"Post-Mediæval Preachers" by S. Baring-Gould is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The work offers a comprehensive analysis of notable preachers from the 15th to 17th centuries, delving into their styles, sermons, and the contexts in which they preached. This exploration sheds light on a significant yet often overlooked aspect of Christian oratory and its evolution over the centuries. The opening of the book begins with a discussion of the origins and history of preaching, positioning the Sermon on the Mount as the quintessential model for Christian preaching. Baring-Gould compares early prophetic discourses to the sermons of subsequent Christian orators, emphasizing the need for a balance of instruction, moral exhortation, and theological depth. He highlights the richness and variety found in the works of select preachers of the post-mediæval period, setting the stage for a deeper examination of individual figures and their impactful messages throughout the text.