With devotion and research that took him to many of the scenes of Saint Patrick's life, Reynolds recounts his life making him the figure the people of Ireland believe him to be. Retracing the familiar details of St. Patrick's life, there is a dignity as the narrative takes on a quietly religious quality. As Patrick grows to manhood in Roman Britain, as he is captured by the fierce Nial in a raid, as he first comes into contact with the Irish Druids- there is a combination of fact and legend in the story that creates an inner conviction. When Patrick receives the call to return to Ireland after his study in a French monastery, there is his triumph over Druidical thinking that make him the blessed of the Irish people. Of definite value to Catholic readers.