This work investigates the origins, authenticity, and historical development of the early Christian liturgical document known as the Apostolic Tradition. Dom Gregory Dix, a Benedictine monk and liturgical scholar, presents a comprehensive analysis of the text attributed to Hippolytus of Rome, arguing for its significance as a primary source for understanding the structure of early church worship and ordination rites. Henry Chadwick provides supplementary scholarly context, refining the historical framework and addressing the complexities of authorship and textual transmission in the third-century Roman church.

Scholars and theologians recognize this volume as a foundational text for the study of liturgical history and early Christian practice. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which remains a standard reference for those examining the evolution of sacramental theology and church governance.