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Extracts from Origen's Works
The following documents contain quotations from Origen grouped around some of his characteristic themes:

The Theatre of the World	Prayer	Christ the Adaptive Food from Heaven
God the Physician	The Kisses of Christ	The Fragrance of Christ
The Exercise of Free Will	Presence & Absence

All of the above quotations are included in this document Origen - All Quotes

Books About Origen

	*H. Chadwick, Early Christian Thought and the Classical Tradition* (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1984) ISBN: 0198266731**
	This small paperback provides an overview of three important early Christian thinkers (Justin Martyr, Clement of Alexandria and Origen) and their role in integrating Christianity with Greek culture.

	*C. Bigg, The Christian Platonists of Alexandria* (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913 - 2nd edition)**
	A more lengthy and in-depth survey of the life and work of both Clement of Alexandria and Origen. Also includes good coverage of the important & influential Philo (a Jewish Alexandrian theologian in whose footsteps Clement and Origen trod).

	*J.W. Trigg, Origen: The Bible and Philosophy in the Third-century Church -* Published by either John Knox Press (1983) or SCM Press (1985)**
	If you’re after just one comprehensive book on Origen for your bookshelf, this is the one to go for. Unfortunately only available second hand now. Not to be confused with another book by Trigg which is also entitled "Origen" and published by Routledge (1998)!

	*J. Daniélou, Walter Mitchell (translator), Origen* (London: Sheed and Ward, 1955)**
	An excellent study by an eminent French scholar. Highly readable & highly recommended. Unfortunately only available second hand now, but the sort of book that makes you start collecting out of print works (or is that just me?).

	*H. Crouzel, A.S. Worral (translator), Origen* (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1999) ISBN: 0567086399**
	Written in more of a scholarly reference style than the above books by Trigg and Daniélou – i.e. lots of footnotes! Comprehensive coverage of Origen’s life, work and approach. Recently out of print.

	R.P.C. Hanson, Allegory & Event: A Study of the Sources and Significance of Origen’s Interpretation of Scripture (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002) ISBN: 066422444X
	A classic work of scholarship. Does exactly what it says in the title. Not a general work on Origen, but specifically on his approach to Scripture. Recently reissued – get it before they all go!

Origen's Works in Translation

	R.A. Greer (translator), Origen: An Exhortation to Martyrdom, Prayer, First Principles: Book IV, Prologue to the Commentary on the Song of Songs, Homily XXVII on Numbers (New York: Paulist Press, 1979) ISBN: 0809121980
	A good selection of texts from Origen’s surviving work, chosen to “represent the heart of Origen’s spiritual vision” (as it says on the cover). Highly recommended reading to get a feel for Origen’s work without having to wade through lots of Victorian language (as you do with older translations). If you've only got time/space for one book of Origen’s writings, it’s this one.

	Hans Urs von Balthasar (editor), R.J. Daly (translator), Origen Spirit & Fire: A Thematic Anthology of His Writings (Washington DC: Catholic University of America Press, 2001) ISBN: 0813210224
	This book contains a selection of over one thousand snippets from Origen’s works which have been assembled on thematic lines, making Origen easier to read in some ways (although harder in others!). A great book to open at the contents page, choose a topic and dive in! Listed as "hard-to-find" on Amazon.co.uk, but try searching on FetchBook.info

	*R. P. Lawson (translator), Origen: The Song of Songs, Commentary and Homilies* (Ancient Christian Writers, No 26) (New York: Paulist Press, 1957) ISBN: 0809102617**
	Hang on tight and try to keep up with Origen the master exegete as he unpacks the hidden, spiritual meaning in the Song of Songs. Amazing insights on every page. St Jerome wrote "While Origen surpassed all writers in his other books, in his Song of Songs he surpassed himself". Read this book. Enough said.

	*G.W. Butterworth (translator), On First Principles* - Published by either Harper & Row (1966) or Peter Smith (1973 or 2002) ISBN: 0844626856**
	A fascinating insight into Origen’s thought, this is his central (and most controversial) work and is a great place to explore his ideas in more depth. Sometimes referred to as the first work of systematic theology. Listed as "hard-to-find" on Amazon.co.uk, but certainly available second hand - try FetchBook.info.

	Other texts of interest...
	Various other of Origen’s commentaries and homilies (sermons) are available in translation, along with the classic (if lengthy) work of apology (i.e. defence of the faith) - "Contra Celsum" (reprinted at the end of 2003). However, the above should be enough to get you started!