Wisdom of the Celtic Saints

Wisdom of the Celtic Saints
Revised and Expanded
By Edward C. Sellner
Saint Paul, MN: Bog Walk Press, 2006
Review by Carl McColman

This big, gorgeous book with Patrick and Brigid on the cover belongs in the library of any lover of Celtic Christianity. Edward Sellner is a natural storyteller, a worthy successor to the great Irish bards of old. In this book he collects together folklore and tales concerning the lives and miracles of over 25 holy men and women from the golden age of Celtic Christianity — the sixth through the ninth centuries — featuring saints both renowned (David of Wales, Kevin of Glendalough, Brendan on Clonfert) and lesser known (Declan of Ardmore, Petroc of Padstow). Introductory chapters on the nature of Celtic spirituality help to orient the reader to the mystical world of the Celtic saints, and gorgeous illustrations by Susan McLean-Keeney add to the charm.