Many of today’s generalized opinions overlook the micro-fractures in both East and West leading up to the Great Schism and its harrowing aftermath. Observing a more completed context within this book’s narrative opened my eyes to see more of the politics which have infiltrated the church over time. In “The Age of Division”, Fr. Strickland has added a wealth of overdue perspective to our modern conversation about Christendom, doing so in this second of four volumes. I look forward to circling back and reading the first volume and others to come. Our “learned” world can no longer afford to cling to the safe, comfortable opinions of the past, and should instead draw nearer to documented facts, sorted through critical thinking. This book deflates empty opinions by connecting them back to their origins, telling their full story. And no side is spared from searing. A great read for any history buff or amateur, but in the language I would advise to be prepared to think and take notes – the detail will inspire assembling one’s own timeline of perspective.