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.)
