Books/writings on the Saints?

[Semper_Fi_1]

Hi all,

I’m looking for a few good books (modern or classical) on the lives of our Saints. I am going to give one as a gift, so it needs to be easily readable by a nominal Catholic. Others I’m looking to read myself. I’ve been studying Catholicism and Apologetics for the past couple of years without looking into the lives of some of our best Catholics and that needs to change.

Particularily, I’m looking for some good biographies on two of my favorite Saints, Thomas Acquinas and Francis of Assisi. Don’t recommend Thomas Acquinas’ Summa Theologica, because I’m saving up for my own hardback copy. Also, if anyone knows of any other websites or titles of books now in the public domain (so I can search online) that would be great too.

Thanks & Merry Christmas!

 

[bauerice]

May I suggest 3. The first 2 are both by Catherine Odell of Our Sunday Visitor. These are both very easy to read and inspirational. 1) Faustina Apostle of Divine Mercy 2) Father Solanus the story of Solanus Casey OFM CAP. I also suggest 3)The Holy Man on the Mountain by Frank Rega. It is about Padre Pio and his many interactions with American soldjers during WWII.

 

[MarkR]

GK Chesterton wrote classic short biographies of both St. Francis and St. Thomas Aquinas. I believe that they’re both published by Ignatius Press, a site well worth checking out for all Catholic reading.

I’d like to read more about the saints too but outside of Ignatius, I’m not too familiar with orthodox Catholic publishers. Nothing more annoying than picking up a saint’s “biography” only to find out that it’s being used as an author’s pet (quack, usually New Age) theory soap box, e.g. “Joan of Arc-Feminist!”, etc. Anyone know of other good Catholic publishers? I know of Ignatius and Tan. That’s about it.

 

[Dorothy]

I recommend “The Little Flowers of Saint Francis” which is a compilation of happenings (anecdotal) at the beginning of St. Francis’ life as some began to follow him and the Franciscan order was born.

 

[aurora77]

He isn’t on your list, but I’d recommend reading about St. Maximilian Kolbe; he was killed at Auschwitz. The book I just finished is called A Man For Others: Maximilian Kolbe, Saint of Auschwitz in the Words of Those Who Knew Him. It’s by Patricia Treece. It could easily be enjoyed by a nominal Catholic, or a devout one. He was an amazing man; truly an inspiration for all of us. I finished the book in tears and in awe.