First published in the 4th century A.D., Anthony the Great's biography was authored by Christian Saint Athanasius of Alexandria. Since its original release, the book has helped spread the beliefs, practices and arduous faith of Anthony the Great to a wider audience. A significant progenitor of the monastic tradition, Saint Anthony lived an ascetic lifestyle in the deserts of Egypt. Although not the earliest of religious figures committed to this tradition, through his actions and preaching Anthony helped popularise and spread principles that would contribute heavily to the establishment of Christian monastic orders in Europe and beyond. One famous event in St. Anthony's life was his encounter with the supernatural in the remote reaches of the Egyptian desert. This occurrence, wherein the otherworldly presence tried to tempt him away from his spartan philosophy of living, has experienced much coverage in Western art and literature. The translation to English contained in this edition is by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace; theologians who held Anthony the Great in high esteem.

The biographic text of St. Anthony is presented complete in this edition for the reader's absorption and contemplation. First published in the 4th century A.D., Anthony the Great's biography was authored by Christian Saint Athanasius of Alexandria. Since its release, the book has helped spread the beliefs, practices and arduous faith of Anthony the Great. A significant progenitor of the monastic tradition, Saint Anthony lived an ascetic lifestyle in the arid lands of Egypt. Although not the earliest of religious figures committed to this tradition, through actions and preaching Anthony helped popularise and spread principles that would contribute heavily to the establishment of Christian monasteries in Europe and beyond. One event in St. Anthony's life was his encounter with the supernatural in the remote Egyptian desert. This occurrence, where the otherworldly presence tried to tempt him from his spartan philosophy of living, is much recreated in Western art and literature.

The biography of Anthony's life by Athanasius of Alexandria helped to spread the concept of Christian monasticism, particularly in Western Europe via its Latin translations. He is often erroneously considered the first Christian monk, but as his biography and other sources make clear, there were many ascetics before him. Anthony was, however, the among the first known to go into the wilderness (about AD 270), which seems to have contributed to his renown. Accounts of Anthony enduring supernatural temptation during his sojourn in the Eastern Desert of Egypt inspired the often-repeated subject of the temptation of St. Anthony in Western art and literature.

Discover the Inspiring Journey of St. Anthony, the Father of Monasticism Embark on a transformative journey through the life of St. Anthony, penned by the venerable St. Athanasius. In this profound biography, witness the extraordinary spiritual odyssey of a man who, driven by a fervent devotion to God, retreated to the desert to seek divine wisdom and solitude. St. Anthony's unwavering commitment to a life of prayer, asceticism, and contemplation unfolds in these pages. St. Athanasius, a close associate and contemporary of St. Anthony, provides a vivid account of the saint's encounters with demons, his spiritual battles, and the establishment of a monastic foundation that would shape the Christian landscape for centuries. As you delve into the pages of this timeless classic, be inspired by the teachings and insights that propelled St. Anthony to become a beacon of Christian spirituality. This work not only captures the essence of a remarkable life but serves as a guide for those seeking a deeper connection with God in the midst of life's challenges. The Life of St. Anthony is an illuminating narrative that transcends time, offering readers a glimpse into the soul of a saint whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

The most important document of early monasticism, written in 357, this is a biography of the recognized founder and father of monasticism. +

Instrumental in the conversion of many, including Augustine, The Life of Antony provided the model for subsequent saints' life and constituted, in the words of patristics scholar Johannes Quasten, 'the most important document of early monasticism.'

Helen Walker Homan contributes her third volume to hte Vision Books series of saints for youth in this story of the life of St. Anthony of Padua. Important details of Anthony's life covered by the author include his visit to Morocco, a shipwreck, his meeting with St. Francis in Assisi, his powerful preaching and the miracles he wrought as a follower of Francis.