Alan's handbook came at a time when the making of sermons was becoming a more precise art. After analyzing what preaching is, who should preach and to whom, why, when, and where, Alan offers a set of fascinating chapters that suggest texts and sermon materials . . .Grover Zinn, Religious Studies Review

• Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION   1Life and Works   3Alan the Preacher   5The Text   6Sources and Citations   8Notes to Introduction   10THE ART OF PREACHING   13The Author's Preface   15Chapter I:  On Preaching   16Chapter II:  On Despising the World   22Chapter III:  On Despising Oneself   26Chapter IV:  Against Gluttony   30Chapter V:  Against Dissipation   34Chapter VI:  Against Avarice   38Chapter VII:  Against Sloth   42Chapter VIII:  Against Envy   46Chapter IX:  Against Anger   49Chapter X:  Against Pride   52Chapter XI:  On Despising Worldly Fears   55Chapter XII:  On Despising the Things of this World and on the Hope of Heavenly Things   58Chapter XIII:  Of Spiritual Sorrow   61Chapter XIV:  Of Spiritual Joy   64Chapter XV:  On Patience   66Chapter XVI:  On Obedience   72Chapter XVII:  On Perseverance   76Chapter XVIII:  On Mercy   79Chapter XIX:  On Justice   83Chapter XX:  On the Love of God   86Chapter XXI:  On the Love of One's Neighbor   90Chapter XXII:  On Peace   94Chapter XXIII:  On Prudence   97Chapter XXIV:  On Fortitude   101Chapter XXV:  On Temperance and Moderation   104Chapter XXVI:  Against Loquaciousness   106Chapter XXVII: Against Lying   110Chapter XXVIII:  Against Slander   112Chapter XXIX:  Exhortation to Prayer   115Chapter XXX:  On Remorse or Contrition   119Chapter XXXI:  On the Confession of Sins   123Chapter XXXII:  Of Repentance or Satisfaction   126Chapter XXXIII:  On Almsgiving   128Chapter XXXIV:  On Fasting   131Chapter XXXV:  Instruction in Watchfulness   134Chapter XXXVI:  Exhortation to Learning   137Chapter XXXVII:  On Hospitality   140Chapter XXXVIII:  That Preaching Should Be Performed by Prelates   142Chapter XXXIX:  To Whom Preaching Should Be Delivered   146Chapter XL:  To Soldiers   149Chapter XLI:  To Orators, or Advocates   152Chapter XLII:  To Princes and Judges   154Chapter XLIII:  To Cloistered Religious   156Chapter XLIV:  To Priests   160Chapter XLV:  To Those Who Are Married   163Chapter XLVI:  Of Widows   165Chapter XLVII:  To Virgins   166Abbreviations   171