Around 563AD a monk called Columba set off in a small boat with a few companions from the shores of his native Donegal, in the north-west tip of Ireland. Some time later they landed on the tiny island of Iona off the west coast of Scotland. Their journey is rightly perceived as one of the most significant events in the early Christian history of the British Isles. lan Bradley examines the life, character and achievements of St Columba and attempts to strip away the layers of myth and historical distortion that have grown up around him.

St Columba is one of the most important figures in the early history of the British Isles. A native of Donegal and a nobleman of royal ancestry, his outstanding religious career spanned both sides of the Irish Sea. On the Scottish island of Iona he founded his principal monastery where he served as abbot until his death in AD 597. Iona eventually became the centre of a powerful federation of monasteries that preserved a memory of Columba and nurtured the saintly cult that grew around him. Drawing on contemporary sources – particularly the writings of Adomnán, abbot of Iona from 679 to 704 – and the latest modern research, this book traces Columba's achievements and legacy. It examines his roles as abbot, scholar and missionary as well as his involvement in the affairs of kings in both Ireland and northern Britain.

The purpose of this book is to encourage the present-day saints of God to press in and live in their spiritual inheritance. Down through the ages, great men and women of God have demonstrated the fact that the life of a believing and dedicated Christian can change the world around them. The Celtic Saints, such as Brenden, Brigid, Patrick, Cuthbert, Columba and many others, lived in a marvelous and powerful realm of the Holy Spirit. This book about St. Columba of Iona is filled with eyewitness accounts of his amazing prophetic gift, the miracles, which included the raising of the dead, and many angelic visitations, compiled by St. Adamnan around A.D. 692-A.D. 697. Book jacket.

The life of St Columbia - Columkille, ' the dove of the church', his emblem the flying dove within the lovely columbine flower - who left Ireland in a rage, founded monasteries and, himself turbulent, started the tranquil church of Iona. A beautiful life by a one of his successor abbots. Callender Peace Studies /. Callender Saints