The broad-ranging introduction of this book unravels the myths that surround sainthood, explaining why pious heroism is described through legend and how relics signify the reality of the saints. Then, the second half of the book is an illustrated encyclopedia of over 500 saints, in chronological order from the Apostles to saints of the 20th century, encompassing saints from all over the world. The life and work of each saint is described. Far more than a dictionary of saints, this book explores the conditions of sainthood and tells the lives of the saints. It offers a comprehensive, modern approach to this fascinating subject.

"The Encyclopedia of Saints offers thorough and fascinating accounts of familiar and little-known holy men and women of the Catholic and Orthodox churches. Drawing from documented accounts and supplemented with additional extensive research

Start each day with this beautifully illustrated gift book on 365 saints in the Christian heritage. Organized by saints’ specific feast days, each page of this beautifully illustrated book provides a day’s worth of history, tradition, and inspiration from the lives and teachings of the saints in the Christian canon, from St. Apollonia to St. Zita. This illustrated book of days tells the life stories, ministry, and beatification of 365 Saints, each beautifully rendered with classic paintings and historic iconography. Designed to become a family heirloom, this reference book lists each saint’s common patronages so readers can call upon them with prayers for intercession during times of trouble, sickness, or loss. A perfect gift for Christenings, Confirmations, birthdays, and holidays.

A lavishly illustrated reference guide to over five-hundred Christian saints, organized by the calendar year and featuring about six-hundred works of art. Organized by feast day throughout the calendar year, The Book of Saints is both a definitive reference work and a spectacular art book. Featuring fascinating stories of more than five-hundred saints from around the world, the book includes approximately six-hundred works of historic and contemporary art. This extraordinary reference book is a stunning keepsake and essential resource that makes a perfect christening, confirmation, or birthday gift, and is a great addition to any family library. The Book of Saints is an illustrated treasury of compelling information for the devout and the culturally inquisitive alike.

List of illustrations -- Introduction -- Abbreviations -- Saints: entries A - Z -- Bibliography -- List of Websites -- Glossary -- Lists of National Martyrs.

A guide to the lives of over five hundred saints, illustrated with over five hundred paintings, statues, photographs, and artifacts.