Fire of the North: The Life of St Cuthbert

by David Adam

St Cuthbert, monk and bishop of Lindisfarne, was a man of extraordinary charm and ability. A preacher, teacher and pastor, he was also reputed to have gifts of prophecy and healing. David Adam, one of the most prolific and best-loved writers in the Celtic tradition, vividly relates the story of this central figure in Celtic Christianity. Drawing out the qualities which make Cuthbert so important in our own time, Fire of the North celebrates the saints ready sense of Gods presence and eager response to nature. The narrative is complemented throughout by prayers specially composed to help us experience the direct force of Celtic spirituality for ourselves.

Genres: Scotland

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

David Adam (b. 1936) was a British priest and author and one of the best-loved figures in Celtic Spirituality.


Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fire of the North is an excellent introduction to the life and times of St Cuthbert and of the events that followed his death. Rev David Adam wrote extensively on Celtic worship and saints. Here, his thorough knowledge of his subject makes this book an easy and fascinating read.

He follows closely the writings of The Venerable Bede as he retells the life of Cuthbert in a sympathetic and respectful manner. Each chapter concludes with a short prayer. History and devotional. Cuthbertus would have approved....hopefully!

[Thom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very accessible life of St. Cuthbert which I read while walking St. Cuthbert's Way in the Borderlands between Scotland and England. I highly recommend it to pilgrims. The stories of Cuthbert are inspiring, and I found his life on the borders -- between Scotland and England, between Celtic and Roman spirituality, between private devotion and public service -- to be highly inspiring and worthy of contemplation.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024 bk 82. Cuthbert was a Celt in Britain during the time of the Saxons. He was the second leader of the monastery at Holy Island (Lindesfarne) and Adam's biography of the man is well researched- incorporating both written and oral traditions. I love the poems/prayers he included at key points of the book and his descriptive phrasing.

[Sam McBratney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in preparation for a sermon I am due to preach next week. I have to admit that it was a little too 'folksy' for me but the prayers were beautiful. Definitely a devotional book!

[Jay Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspirational biography of Cuthbert. It encourages us that we too can see the supernatural today because the God of Cuthbert still moves today

[Danna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this little book from a friends mom who is making a pilgrimage to the UK. Turns out I know approximately 0 saints in the UK. Now I know 1. Thx mama Mo !

[w gall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in a simple, understandable way, we get a fairly in-depth picture of St. Cuthbert. Inspiring!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read, however I bought this thinking it would be more history based, therefore great material for my dissertation. But this tells more like a story of fiction, merged with teachings of the church. nevertheless, I did enjoy it, especially since the topic is close to my heart and in my blood.

[Stephen Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real find: bringing together the history and time of St Cuthbert, celebrating his life in prayer and Celtic spirituality.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to read about St. Cuthbert while walking where he used to walk in Scotland and England.