cover image THE LOYOLA TREASURY OF SAINTS: From the Time of Jesus to the Present Day

THE LOYOLA TREASURY OF SAINTS: From the Time of Jesus to the Present Day

David Self, , illus. by Amanda Hall. . Loyola, $28.95 (224pp) ISBN 978-0-8294-1785-2

Addressing a broad audience of Christians, this comprehensive catalogue offers a rich collection of biographical stories, legends and illustrations that detail the lives of the saints. Broadly defining a saint as "a very good or holy person," Self groups the stories in chronological order, beginning with Mary and ending with Oscar Romero, the archbishop of El Salvador who was killed in 1980 (and who has not been canonized), and including Orthodox as well as Roman Catholic saints. A final section introduces angels and archangels, "God's messengers." The stories stand alone but also refer to one another, so that the book can be browsed as well as enjoyably read straight through. The design telegraphs information quickly. Headings encapsulate messages associated with the saint (Augustine: "Make Me Good, but Not Yet"; Julian of Norwich: "All Shall Be Well"). Boxed sections provide additional anecdotal or historical information (an entry on Spiridion contains a section explaining the Council of Nicea). Throughout, the writing is inviting and almost conversational. The story of Paul, for example, begins, "It was the stoning of Stephen that started it." A variety of illustrations supplements each entry: paintings and stained glass renditions of lives of the saints, photographs of artifacts and historic locations, architectural renderings of ancient buildings, as well as pictures and symbols (an ancient scroll near the clay jar in which it was stored; the chi-rho emblem of Constantine). These tales of ordinary people who lived in extraordinary, holy ways provide both a wonderfully entertaining read and inspiring examples of courage and goodness. Ages 8-14. (Mar.)