More Saints: Lives and Illuminations

Publishers Weekly

Because much of what we know today about saints is culled from legend, and the process of canonization remains a bit mysterious, these holy figures intrigue as much as they inspire. Sanderson (The Snow Princess) strikes a truly compelling tone in this fine collection of brief biographies, a sequel to her Saints: Lives and Illuminations, which featured saints from the first millennium. Here she profiles 34 saints and two blessed (who have been beatified, not yet canonized); each saint receives a full page of coverage that includes an elegantly bordered oil-and-pencil portrait, which occupies about half the space. Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Elizabeth Anne Seton and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta are among those who grace this volume, which serves as both an interesting read and a spiritual reference. Birth and death dates, feast day and patronage of each saint are included in the individual entries. In addition, an index and glossary of terms at book's end make it particularly user-friendly. All ages. (Jan.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature - Beverley Fahey

This companion to Saints: Lives and Illuminations sketches the accomplishments of thirty-four canonized saints and two that have reached the status of blessed (Teresa of Calcutta and Kateri Tekakwitha). There is a brief introduction that outlines the process of canonization that begins with being proclaimed "venerable" and moving on to "blessed," before a final miracle attributed to the saint warrants a papal proclamation. The saints include the familiar like St. Francis of Assisi, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Joan of Arc, as well as some of the lesser known such as St. Juan Diego, St. Martin de Porres, and St. Louise de Marillac. Each biography includes the birth and death date of the saint, elements of their life that made them extraordinary, their celebrated feast day and patronage. It is important to separate fact from legend, and Sanderson clearly delineates between the two in each of these brief biographies. Handsome portraits in oil and pencil give the appearance of illuminations of old and each haloed saint is reverently depicted. A glossary and index are included. Attractive in design and concise in its content, this is an excellent resource for those who wish to expose children to these remarkable men and women who exhibited incredible devotion and dedication to God.