Saint Patrick Retold draws on recent research to offer a fresh assessment of Patrick's travails and achievements. This is the first biography in nearly fifty years to explore Patrick's career against the background of historical events in late antique Britain and Ireland.

Relates the life and legends of Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

Tells of the young fourth-century Irish boy who grew up to be a priest, and who was canonized as St. Patrick after his death.

The legend of Saint Patrick is irresistibly captivating-he drove the snakes out of Ireland, battled the druids, and used the three-leaf Shamrock to convert the pagan Irish to belief in the Christian Trinity. Yet, as so often happens, these stories are mere myths that fold under closer scrutiny. Snakes never plagued the Irish countryside, and the Emerald Isle's most beloved saint wasn't even Irish but a Briton of the Roman nobility. Fortunately, the truth is even more fascinating. In The World of Saint Patrick, classical scholar Philip Freeman offers the definitive account of Saint Patrick's life through new and vibrant translations of the greatest works of early Christian Ireland. This story of great violence, brutality, and even greater faith begins with two letters Patrick wrote describing his kidnapping by pirates at age sixteen and subsequent slavery. Although his grandfather was a priest and his father a deacon, at the time of his kidnapping Patrick had rejected his childhood faith in favor of atheism. Yet in this deeply moving narrative, Patrick recounts how he regained his faith during his captivity, and how the voice of God guided him both in his escape from bondage and in his eventual return to Ireland as a missionary to the very people who had enslaved him. The World of Saint Patrick delves into colorful tales of Patrick's struggles with pagan kings, soaring hymns of praise, and a prayer of protection against forces of evil such as "the magic of women, blacksmiths, and druids." Freeman also examines the life of Saint Brigid, Ireland's first female saint, and the legendary voyage of Saint Brendan and his monks across the western ocean. Both general readers with an interest in Ireland's saints and scholars studying religion or medieval history will be unable to put down this captivating tale of Ireland's greatest saint and the remarkable times in which he lived.

In this book St. Patrick testifies to us of his conversion, trials, and tribulations in seeking, surrendering, and suffering for Christ. Even though most of us do not dare attempt to aspire to reach the heights of St. Patrick, it is important to realize that God made each and every person an individual - not to be like another - but rather to be like Christ. He made each person unique and endows each of us with different gifts and graces. This is why we study and admire other followers of Christ but we are not to try to be exactly like another. In growing in virtue - yes. But God has a very specific wills and assignments for each of us. Nevertheless it is helpful to study and reflect on the virtues of others like St. Patrick.

A picture book biography of the patron saint of Ireland.

New and updated edition of a classic holiday book from beloved nonfiction writer for kids Gail Gibbons. Who was St. Patrick? Why do we wear green on March 17th? Vetted by an expert, this new edition brings readers the most accurate and recent historical understanding of St. Patrick and the holiday celebrating him. Learn the story of Patrick's life, legends about the saint, and the history of the holiday. From shamrocks to shillelaghs, Gail Gibbons' signature combination of accessible text and clear, colorful illustrations creates a perfect introduction to the customs surrounding St. Patrick’s Day— parades, special meals, and of course wearing lots of green. Filled with facts, legends, and traditions, this book is ideal for kids learning about the holiday, Irish culture, and history. Author of over 120 nonfiction books for kids, including Groundhog Day, and with hundreds of thousands of books sold, Gail Gibbons continues to bring accurate histories and facts about favorite holidays to kids in this new and updated edition of St. Patrick’s Day.

Shamrocks, shillelaghs, reed pipes, and leprechauns--these are some of the many symbols that remind us of St. Patrick's Day. Who was St. Patrick? And what is this early spring holiday all about? With warmth and vitality, Edna Barth tells the colorful stories, legends, and historical facts behind St. Patrick's Day and shows how the spirit of this ancient Irish holiday is still alive in many countries. Illustrated with black and white drawings by Ursula Arndt, this is a book to be discovered and read with pleasure by young readers. All of Edna Barth's classic holiday books are now being reissued with fresh, new jacket designs and fun activities inside the paperback covers.

An authoritative modern portrait of Ireland's patron saint and the letters that revealed intimate information about his belief system and life in Ireland.