A Calendar of Saints: The Lives of the Principal Saints of the Christian Year

by James Bentley

This exquisitely illustrated volume celebrates the lives of men and women whose goodness and religious devotion have inspired millions. Here, arranged according to their special days throughout the year, are saints across the centuries and from every walk of life—farm laborers, princes, monks, nuns, soldiers, martyrs, housewives, poets. On almost every page, inspirational sayings illustrate the courage, humor, and wisdom of those who put their religious commitment before everything else. Lavish illustrations—with more than 300 paintings, many in color—form a resplendent gallery of portraits spanning 2,000 years of art. Dr. James Bentley is an anthropologist, historian, and former senior chaplain of Eton College.

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.