Customer Reviews

Butler's Lives of the Saints: Concise, Modernized Edition

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

One needs to first remember that the original Butler's Lives of the Saints has been frequently edited and revised, beginning with Thurston and Attwater. Since that edition, there have been numerous attempts at updating and revising based(especially)on the new Roman Calendar of 1969.

For more learned opinions and observations, please search out and read the other reviews of the series and other editions made by readers.

That being said, I do believe that this edition by Bernard Bangley is a particularly fine attempt at balancing the lives, stories and examples of the saints, when compared with so many of the other concise editions.

Bangley states in the Introduction:

"To make the collection under these covers as broad as possible, preference is often given to women, laity, recent candidates for sainthood, country of origin, and above all, spiritual relevance for today. Rather than overly repeating familiar themes, I have given special attention to the distinctive aspects of interesting individuals. Many saints are not included. The Church has never assumed that even its extensive list is complete. Moreover, only God knows many saints." (ix-x)

Its best feature, however, is Bangley's very careful attempt to avoid imposing his own opinions, perspectives, editorials and agendas. He states the facts and history, within the context of the times and circumstances of the individual saint/blessed. This cannot be said of some of the other editors and versions currently(or have been previously) published.

Finally, from the back cover page:

"Butler's daily readings give us a unique opportunity to engage directly with these great figures of faith. Turning attention away from the superhuman, miraculous themes that are prevalent in earlier works, Butler gives us saints who are examples of Christian living and practice, who provide inspiritation for our own lives, in every time and circumstance. As Butler writes: '"They were once what we are now, travelers on earth. They had the same weaknesses we have. We have difficulties; so had the saints."'"

If one wants the fantastic, 'golden legend' glorious stories of the miracles of the saints, then the original Butler's would be a great resource - and indeed, those are an integral part of our Christian story-telling heritage.

On the other hand, the saints are also real flesh-and-blood people like each of us. They are teachers of life and faith, and we can study their struggles, their examples, their responses.

This is one version I highly recommend.

Butler's Lives of the Saints, the "Concise, Modernized Edition" Edited by Bernard Bangley is not a book written for those of us who have limited knowledge of the Saints in the first place. Then again, I understand the original is volumes and volumes in length.
The introduction is quite helpful. The editor, Mr. Bangley, has taken the time to explain various terms, the process of becoming a Saint, & points out that all the Saints were not "spotless" in reputation or deeds. Each Saint is listed according to the date that they Died. It is believed that this is the Saints' birthday in Heaven.
Each Saint is allowed approx.1 page worth of information. For those looking to find what miracles have been attributed to each Saint, this is not the book for you. Some minor information is given about miracles, however most of the information is about the Saints' lives, their coversion to Christianity, or the like. This is truly a good reference book to be read with other text (including The Holy Bible). One will not get all their questions answered about Saints in "Butler's Lives of the Saints", but we never get all the answers to our questions; or do we?
The reason I gave this text a 4 star rating was because I expected it to offer more on the individual Saint's their lives & I was hoping the book would direct me to other sources of information.

A brief but concise description of each one. Nothing held back and nothing embellished, yet a comprehensive look at the saints of the Catholic Church.

I am an avid reader and faithful Christian.....this book gives me inspiration, very truthful and to the point....I realize that even a saint has faults....

The author gives interesting details about many of the lives, but too many are covered as merely legendary. What are the the legends? As long as a day is reserved, the story could be interesting!

I say it's OK because I was looking for something with the details of the miracles the saints are connected to in order to qualify to be canonized a "Saint". In all fairness, the cover does say it is "Concise". I was hoping for something with much more detail.