I equate the study of Church History to flight. Some studies in Church History are like flying a crop duster. Low to the ground and so slow you feel like you will crash and burn. Other studies fly high and fast like a Concorde flight to Paris; you're making record time but you fly through so fast you miss a lot of the scenery. Needham's work is comfortable middle ground. All 5 volumes are well-written and scholarly without being pedantic. I can't recommend this series enough.

When you use the hard copy edition, do not expect a quick read. They are very thorough in exposition. It's worth it.

I only have one word... WHEN?!?!?