Whilst this book, because of its simple structure and consecutiveness, is admirably adapted to the humble capacity of the poor and unlettered, it will be found, at the same time, to be well reasoned throughout and convincing; and of this I can advance no better proof than by referring the intelligent reader to the chapter on the Catholic doctrine of the Invocation of Saints, which is very clearly set forth therein according to the teaching of the great Council of Trent, and established beyond the possibility of reasonable doubt or contradiction.

This is far more than a dry hagiographical account of the lives of saints. This entertaining and authoritative dictionary breathes life into its subjects and is as browsable as it is informative. Critically acclaimed in its many editions, the dictionary is now reissued into the rebranded best-selling Oxford Paperback Reference series. The entries are concise accounts of the lives, cults, and artistic associations of over 1,400 saints, from the famous to the obscure, the rich to the poor, and the academic to the uneducated. From all walks of life and from all periods of history, the wide varieties of personalities and achievements of the canonized are reflected. Featuring maps of pilgrimage sights in Europe and fully updated appendices, this remains the standard reference paperback in its field. Recently-added saints include the Martyrs of Korea, Vietnam, and the Spanish Civil War, Andrew of Crete, and Emily Rodat, a female hermit of the 7th century. There are also more Scottish and Irish saints, and ancient Welsh saints; more European saints from all centuries, as well as more saints from Eastern Europe; more recently canonized saints and female saints from the USA.