Patrick: From Patron Saint to Modern Influencer

by Alannah Hopkin

St Patrick is one of the most famous saints of all time. Thousands of people with no direct Irish connection celebrate St Patrick’s Day, parading along the streets of New York, Boston, Chicago, San Antonio, Texas and Sydney, where St Patrick’s Day is a national holiday. These celebrations are the latest version of the cult of St Patrick, which has persisted in different forms since his death on 17 March, 462AD.

But who was St Patrick, and how much of what we know about him is fact, how much legend? This book looks at the historical man and the evidence of his writings, the myths and the apocryphal stories, and describes the social changes that led in the 18th century to his emergence as a symbol of Irish nationalism. From Patron Saint to Modern Influencer is a fascinating and lively portrait of the man who converted pagan Ireland to Christianity – a fresh, sometimes startling examination of the folklore and traditons that have developed around the saint through the ages.

First published in 1989 in the UK and USA, this fully updated edition features new photographs and illustrations and will be an indispensable companion for anyone seeking to understand the role of St Patrick in forging modern Irish identity.

312 pages, Paperback

Published May 17, 2023

Reviews

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked reading this book when I visited Ireland. The layout is interesting and effective, beginning with the actual writings of St Patrick, then chapter by chapter layering on the subsequent ways that he was written about, and how that altered the portrayal of him in society.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book presents quite a bit of information about Saint Patrick and Ireland. I must admit, though, that I'm somewhat confused by the Catholic Church in Ireland prominently promoting this book in places like Knock or Lough Derg given the author's seeming lack of faith in God and the Catholic Church. Curious...

If someone expects to find a book of piety and faith, this is not it. If you are willing to read a book that is informative, but somewhat negative towards faith and the Church, this will be an okay book.

[Bok McDonagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative book that covers the transition of St. Patrick from Catholic missionary, to miracle worker, to the guy who got rid of snakes. It shows how the myth of Patrick has changed up until the modern day, but also how important the man and the myth have been to Ireland and the Irish identity around the world.

[Emma Browall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I particularly liked that the author herself participated in some of the pilgrimages described in the book. It really brought a modern perspective to what she was writing about. I liked that she took the time to participate in and thereby preserve these ancient traditions.