In this second book of a proposed trilogy covering the history of the Coptic papacy in Egypt, Swanson (Christian-Muslim studies, Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago) employs contemporary sources to give reasons for the continuation of the Coptic religion despite pressure from Islamic rulers to convert and equal pressure from Constantinople and Rome to conform to their creeds. He states that he does not find sadness in the diminution of the Coptic Church, but rather he is impressed at the fact that they have survived to this day despite centuries of persecution. The lives of the Patriarchs demonstrate the ways in which the leaders of the Church were examples of steadfastness in the faith. Swanson also points out that they adapted in some ways in order to survive, the most obvious being the gradual change from Coptic to Arabic in their catechism. This study is a model for anyone researching the survival of a small group within a dominant society. Distributed in the U.S. by International Publishers Marketing. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)