Kevin M. CLARKE (editor). The Seven Deadly Sins. Washington, D.C.: The Catholic University of America Press, 2018. pp. 217. $19.95 pb. ISBN 9-780813-230214. Reviewed by Kristen SENETAR, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103.

The Seven Deadly Sins, edited by Kevin Clarke, provides readers with a short compilation of quotations from the Church Fathers regarding the seven deadly sins. The purpose of this book is to add to the study of capital vices by allowing readers to learn from the Church Fathers when the subject might otherwise have intimidated them. The book provides easily digestible, short quotations from numerous sources, which provide readers with a wide range of knowledge.

The Seven Deadly Sins is aimed toward a large audience, ranging from priests and deacons to academics and lay members of the Church. While individuals with more theology education may be able to interpret the quotations on a deeper level, the quotations in each chapter are accessible to all readers and allow the book to accomplish its goal of teaching individuals about the seven deadly sins.

In addition to an introduction and conclusion, the book is divided into seven chapters, each addressing one of the seven deadly sins: gluttony, lust, greed, anger, sloth, envy and sadness, and vainglory and pride. Each chapter is a compilation of upwards of 70 quotations from different Church Fathers. The conclusion chapter resembles the previous chapters and does not serve as a typical summary of the book, but rather provides quotations aimed at a more general level of examining one's conscience. The quotations within the other chapters are arranged thematically. Each chapter begins by defining or explaining the sin of interest. The latter portion of each chapter provides quotations regarding how individuals might remedy these sins in their own lives. By learning about the seven deadly sins from the Church Fathers, readers will be able to better examine their own conscience.

This book is a welcomed addition to the current literature regarding the seven deadly sins. Rather than having to read large works written by individual Church Fathers, readers of this book are able to learn from many different Church Fathers for each sin. This provides a nice overview for readers who are perhaps more unfamiliar with the subject. This book would serve as a good starting point for individuals on their quest to learn about the seven deadly sins as they begin to examine their own conscience.