The Encyclopedia of Saints

Well organized arrangement of saints and their history.

The Encyclopedia of Saints by Ms. Guiley has clear and concise summaries about Christianity's founders, leaders, advocates, and martyrs, in a word, the saints. The US, Europe, and other Western and modern countries generally adhere to Judeo-Christian values. Even Humanism, it has been argued, has roots in Jewish, Greek, and Christian ideals. Newer arrivals to America are often Catholic. I think this book is especially good because it covers both Catholic and Orthodox Christianity, and touches very closely on Protestant values. I think it is important to remember that Western Civilization is not monolithic, or only Western European / Anglo-Saxon / East Coast American, but a fusion of several long-established and proven values.Today, more people seek to live in the US and Europe, but strains are arising as Western values and citizens whose families have been here and in Europe for centuries seek to continue their existence even while becoming, at least in the short term, a smaller percentage of the whole.It is one thing for white Americans to become a demographic minority in states like California and soon in Texas; it is quite another thing for liberal democracy, freedom, and libertarianism to become a minority world view. The latter is much more serious.With just a few minutes of reading several entries I have gained new insights into our history, and reminded of several Bible stories I heard long ago.The material here is extensive, and the best I can do is recommend the book for those interested in history, politics, and social movements (notable similarities exist between early Christianity and many feminist movements); as well as note several of the more prominent, modern, or liberal saints:Paul, p. 271John the Baptist, p. 173Luke the Evangelist, p. 213Mary Magdalen, p. 240Peter, p. 276Raphael the Archangel, p. 293Francis of Assisi, p. 114Elizabeth Ann Seton, p. 98Augustine of Hippo, p. 35Constantine the Great, p. 82Dominic, p. 91Gabriel the Archangel, p. 125Ignatius of Loyola, p. 154 (good video on YouTube, Prime)Luke the Evangelist, p. 213Catherine Laboure, p. 69Vladimir I of Kiev, p. 346Also referenced her are the Doctors of the Church (p. 378); an excellent list of "Patron Saints by Topic" (p. 357-366); and Patron Saints by Country, City, Region, and Organization (p. 367-368). Finally, the ample use of black and white illustrations further add to the quality of this book.

I was caught off guard when I got this book. I was totally expecting a standard paperback, not so, this book is HUGE by comparison...looks like it is about 9" wide and 11" or so tall and 1/2" thick. It was packaged as good as one could ever dream from the seller I got it from midtownscholarbookstore and the packaging is now my new standard of excellence. They put the invoice inside shrink wrapping with the book, kinda classy, and then put the book in an exact dimension box. It left me in awe...for reals! :P The book is amazing organizing the Saints by alphabet with a description of each. I have always found the stories of Martyrs interesting and now have an interest in the Saints, so this book was just what I needed. Well written with just enough information on each saint that is pretty concise, which leaves room for continued research beyond this book if you like.

I bought this book for my 82 year old mother. She lives in assisted living. She was able to read it without glasses. It was easy to read and understand.

Very complete and has a lot of info...would like pictures like some others books I have seen, but it does the job. I like that the write-up for each saint is relatively short, but covers all the important details.

I have found numerous stories of the Saints and the trials and tribulations which they survived which makes it a lot easier to cope with the day to day issues I encounter! Nothing like reading about someone being disemboweled to make bills, kids, dogs and wife issues seem minor! A great learning tool for Catholics and those who don't quite "get" us to understand the Saints role in assisting us thru life.

I am a spiritual writer and blogger on spirituality and spiritual unfoldment. I use this book most of the time for examples and inspiration. I am a prolific writer and need PLENTY of INSPIRATION.

This is a wonderful book. It offers a detailed description of the lives of many saints (some well known, some obscure), and it does that without ever being boring. It is so refreshing to read about the lives of people who led REALLY important lives, and not about the lives of people that seem to matter but really don't (like today's pop idols). By reading these extraordinary lives one gets courage and strength to persevere in today's world with faith.

Nice