A Calendar of Saints

by James Bentley, Photos (Illustrator)

Originally published in 1986 and now available in paperback for the first time, this book celebrates the lives of men and women whose goodness and devotion to God have inspired the world. Here, arranged according to their special days throughout the whole year, are saints from different periods of history and from every walk of life. Some, such as David (patron saint of Wales) led lives of great simplicity. Others were devout eccentrics, such as Simeon Stylites who lived on a pillar for thirty-seven years. Some, such as Joan of Arc were at the forefront of public affairs. On almost every page inspirational sayings illustrate the courage, humour and wisdom of those who put their commitment to goodness before everything else. Lavish illustrations - more than three hundred paintings, many in full colour - provide a rich, unusual and comprehensive gallery of portraits spanning almost two hundred years of art.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Theology

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Travel writer James Bentley was born (1937-2000) in Bolton, Lancashire, England, UK.

Bentley had a varied career as teacher, academic, historian and Anglican clergyman. He was Vicar of Oldham, Lancashire, Conduct and Senior Chaplain at Eton College, Windsor, and Maurice Reckitt Research Fellow in Christian Social Thought at the University of Sussex.

He died on December 26, 2000 in Saumur, France

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book highlighted a Saint (or more) for each day of the year. The summaries are detailed and condensed, making me more than once want to explore certain Saint's lives with further reading. I also realized I wish I had a more thorough understanding of European history; still I learned bits of it's history by reading about these many saints highlighted in this book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first saint book. Loved it.

[LuAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about a saint each day for a year. Lovely illustrations.

[Alexa Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helped my find my confirmation saint and very educational!

[Cainneach Rua · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift and a gift is an understatement. It is fabulous!

[Min · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant collection of saints offered. Mostly from the Early Church, and Roman Catholic calendar. Typically one saint is profiled a day, two days per page. Occasionally, a second saint is briefly profiled, or mentioned as being celebrated on a particular day.
The, mostly, black and white historical represenations -often paintings-are a nice touch.
A quick way to begin a daily practice of remembrance, if so desired.