Butler's Lives of the Saints

Butler's became an immediate hit, in the tradition of the first edition, and held the field until the appearance of the second edition, in 1956. The work of an English layman, Donald Attwater, this edition eliminated what remained from the first edition-mostly pious homilies better suited to Butler's era, and some saints whose very existence was highly unlikely. Attwater also added more saints, however, which brought the total to 2,565, compared to Alban Butler's original 1,486. "It is Attwater's second edition which has been reissued by Christian Classics," and it makes great reading any time.... The underlying theme remains that of Christian love, a love willing to undergo great sacrifices for the sake of God and neighbor. Comparisons may be drawn with common inspirational literature, legends of mythical heroes, and skillfully written biography. The critic of literary styles sees woven together in Butler's many of the skills of the storyteller craft. A theologian finds on every page living witness to the central truths of the Christian Faith."Thurston is the author of 'Butler's Lives of the Saints' with ISBN 9780870611377 and ISBN 0870611372.