Product Description

Early Irish records list as many as 1,700 saints. There is a wealth of folklore, legend and tradition and literature associated with them. These colourful characters taught, looked after the sick, settled feuds, wrote histories and poetry. Some endured incredible hardship, living in hermitages on barren cliff tops, such as on Skellig. Many, such as Cillian and Columbanus, travelled thousands of miles to spread the Christian faith, establishing large, powerful monasteries across Europe. This book provides a fascinating anthology of the lives and times of Ireland's holy men and women. Accessible in style, with plenty of anecdotal evidence, it gives an insight into the early origins of Christianity and the role of the religious in Irish society.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1263284 in Books
• Published on: 2003-03-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

About the Author
Brian Lacey is an archaeologist and historian with strong links to the city of Derry. He was lecturer at Magee University College from 1974-1986, during which time he directed a series of rescue excavations at various city centre sites. He was head of Derry City Council's Heritage and Museum Service from 1986-1998 and is the author of two acclaimed books on the city, Historic Derry and The Siege of Derry. He is currently Director of the Discovery Programme, an archaeological research institution in Dublin.