The Hermits

"The Hermits" by Charles Kingsley is a historical exploration of early Christian hermits and their spiritual quests, set against the backdrop of a declining Roman Empire. It examines the motivations behind the ascetic movement, featuring prominent figures like St. Antony and St. Paul, who sought solitude and a deeper connection with God amidst societal corruption. The book starts by showcasing the despair and yearning for spiritual purity that drove these individuals to abandon worldly life, painting a vivid picture of their pursuit of faith and the establishment of new, solitary paths toward a higher calling as they escaped the chaos around them.

Charles Kingsley was a broad church priest of the Church of England, a university professor, social reformer, historian, novelist and poet. He is particularly associated with Christian socialism, the working men's college, and forming labour cooperatives, which failed, but encouraged later working reforms.