Butler's Lives of the Saints

by Bernard Bangley, Alban Butler

There is no greater authority on the saints than Alban Butler, and his enormous research has been the standard reference on the subject for the last two and a half centuries. This new adaptation of Butler's multi-volume Lives of the Saints presents a modernized text for today's reader and provides an illuminating guide to these historic, symbolic, and foundational Christian men and women.

Butler's daily readings from the lives and works of the saints offer readers of all backgrounds the opportunity to engage directly with these great figures. Butler's distinctive contribution to stories about saints was to turn attention away from the superhuman, miraculous themes that are prevalent in earlier works. He gives us saints who are examples of Christian living, who provide inspiration for our own lives, in every time and circumstance. As Butler writes: "They were once what we are now, travelers on earth. They had the same weaknesses we have. We have difficulties; so had the saints."

Important features of this version include mention of recently canonized saints as well as those whose path to official sainthood is still in progress. Also included in the daily readings are more obscure saints whose lives and contributions to Christianity should not be forgotten.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Biography, History, Spirituality, Reference, Catholic

406 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Conrad]

This book is a lot of fun for when you walk by St. Archibald of Poughkeepsie's Cathedral and you want to know who the hell that is. Also, how these people get away with being called saints, with some of the stuff they got up to? Beyond me. Comforting, anyway, that Catholics put their money where their mouths are as far as everyone having the potential to be saved.

[Maureen]

I have no idea how to rate a book like this, but I'll take the opportunity to say that reading this put Saint Hildegard of Bingen on my list of historical people I want to meet. She is just one of the impressive people briefly highlighted in this book.

[William Omalley]

Remembering my father through this book. Read it have gone through it and can understand my dad more. Miss him. Still love him. Live on he wanted me to do

[AnnaRose]

There are so many fascinating stories in here. Unfortunately, the writing is extremely dry. This could work as reading one a day, but it is not engaging enough to read in large chunks.

Some of the commentary I enjoyed more than other parts. I did love researching some of the lesser known saints from this.

Ideas - 4 stars
Narrative - 3 stars
Pacing - 2.25 stars
Format - 4.5 stars
Writing style - 1.75 stars
Ending - 4 stars

[Phoebe Allex]

My reading about the lives of saints was inspiring to me. Prior I thought Saints were created from pre birth somehow in the womb by God. Reading about how thier human lives were like other people's made me realize that is not true. Regardless of a person's fundamental belief this book is a great read for understanding human lives and conditions and struggles.

[Martin Witchard]

A wonderful anthology of Catholic saints including several that were 'falsely' accused of committing crimes but were ultimately exonerated in the eyes of the church. Don't expect any balance in this account but you will find some amusing bios.

[Schahresad Phillips]

Truly a concise and easy to read edition.